Horse sanctuary 'devastated' by vandals' actions

A sanctuary that helps sick and mistreated horses says damage caused by vandals has put the animals and people nearby at risk.

A group has started fires, broken fences and dug holes at The Next Chapter Horse Sanctuary in Countesthorpe, Leicestershire, over the last week.

The sanctuary has said it realises those responsible are probably "kids looking for fun" who do not realise the potential consequences of their actions.

But it added it now had to raise funds to repair the damage caused by the vandals, who had released horses into a field next to a small park used by young children and dog walkers.

The Next Chapter looks after 36 horses, which have been mistreated by their owners or suffered injuries that require rehabilitation.

Some of the animals are said to be so badly damaged from the treatment they have received, they can never be rehomed.

As a result, volunteer Karen Pearce said the actions of the vandals had left them "very worried".

She added: "Yesterday was a nightmare for us at the rescue. We have had a few encounters with a group of lads.

"We had to speak to them last week as they had taken off our electric fencing and had been coming into the field where our long stay horses are kept.

"We spoke to them and they were polite and said they wouldn't come on to the land again as we told them it frightened the horses.

"They have been back and this time have built a den in our field, dug fire pit holes, started fires, broke all our fencing, literally smashed it up and cut it down."

She added: "We are devastated. They have left such a mess.

"We understand kids like to have fun but to try to chase horses out of the field and on to an adjacent small park where young children play and people walk their dogs is extremely dangerous and could have had serious consequences."

The charity has now set up a page on fundraising website JustGiving to help pay for repairs.

Leicestershire Police has asked any witnesses or anyone with information to get in touch.

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