A HORSE RESCUE charity has appealed for help in finding two of its Shetland ponies — both of whom have been specially trained to work with children with special needs.

Holly’s Horse Haven in County Louth issued an appeal to find Tyson and Bam Bam who went missing after they were borrowed by what they thought was charity organisation’s foster home.

However, upon inspectors from Holly’s Horse Haven returning to check in on the horses, they were no longer at the site.

Devastated

Speaking to TheJournal.ie, chairperson of the rescue centre, Elaine Duffy said that they were devastated by the news. She said that the ponies had not been seen in eight weeks but it has only recently been reported to the gardaí.

Tyson Holly's Horse Haven Holly's Horse Haven

Bam Bam Holly's Horse Haven Holly's Horse Haven

Bam Bam and Tyson were rescued five years ago in what Duffy describes as “horrible” circumstances. The animals suffered from extreme neglect and were found starving.

Holly’s Horse Haven in Omeath, County Louth is a charitable organisation run by volunteers. It rescues and rehomes neglected horses and ponies. It is also a registered service provider with the HSE and takes part in daily social programmes with special needs groups and organisations such as Rehab and St John of Gods.

Garda investigation

“We are absolutely devastated that our two ponies are missing,” said Duffy, who added that the eight-week delay in reporting them missing has hampered the gardaí investigation.

While it has been reported that the horses escaped after a gate was left open, Duffy has said that if the horses were sold to anyone that the innocent buyers should come forward.

If someone bought the ponies innocently from someone and they now belong to their child and they are afraid to come forward, please do. We will not take them off you.

“We only want to know that Bam Bam and Tyson are safe,” said Duffy, who added that she couldn’t bare the thought that the two ponies, who were so neglected in the past, might be in the same situation again.

If you have any information about the ponies whereabouts, please contact the gardaí or Holly’s Horse Haven. You can visit their website here or their Facebook page here for more information. 

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