July 7, 2017 3.29 pm This story is over 80 months old

Bransby Horses charity opens new intensive care unit thanks to £175k of donations

Leading equine rescue and welfare charity Bransby Horses near Lincoln has officially opened its new Intensive Care Unit after a £175, 000 investment. The new unit, which has been funded entirely by legacies and donations from an online appeal, is situated on the charity’s quarantine yard which prevents the spread of disease and enables staff to…

Leading equine rescue and welfare charity Bransby Horses near Lincoln has officially opened its new Intensive Care Unit after a £175, 000 investment.

The new unit, which has been funded entirely by legacies and donations from an online appeal, is situated on the charity’s quarantine yard which prevents the spread of disease and enables staff to maintain the strict biosecurity procedures which are in place.

It includes state-of-the-art features such as padded walls and rubber floors to provide cushioning for horses prone to collapse, as well as bespoke hoists for lifting and supporting.

Units are also sealed to enable disinfecting when required.

The build was made possible thanks to a £126,886 legacy donation from a Miss Joan Muriel Lawford, a £1,000 legacy donation from Anne Isabella Thornes, appeal donations totalling 1,626 and £45,000 of other charity donations.

A spokesperson from the charity said: “Bransby Horses rescues equines in desperate need of help, many of which require intensive medical care and help to stand as they are so weak.

“Before the ICU was built, those that were too weak to stand had to be lifted by hand; this required six or more people and carried substantial risk of injury or strain for the staff involved.

“Without an independent hoist for support, these frail horses were also at risk of injuries from falling against the breeze block walls which were present in the stables used previously.”

In 2016 the charity rescued 144 equines, all of which were initially cared for on the quarantine yard. The new facilities will enable Bransby Horses to provide the best possible care for new arrivals.

The charity thanked supporters for making this development possible.