Two horses have been put down and more than 100 removed from a farm in Surrey after a large-scale RSPCA-led investigation yesterday (9 January).
The charity has confirmed that 204 animals were taken away in total, including 123 horses, eight donkeys and 59 dogs, owing to welfare concerns.
Two horses who were found collapsed at the site, in Ripley, were put down, as was one goat, but the RSPCA said the rest have been taken to animal centres.
H&H reported yesterday that equine and canine welfare charities were part of the operation, along with local authorities and Surrey Police. A large number of support vehicles had been sent to the site, including at least five large horseboxes.
A spokesman for the charity said: “On Wednesday (9 January) RSPCA officers joined Surrey Police to execute a warrant at a farm in Ripley, Surrey, under the Animal Welfare Act.
“In the RSPCA-led operation, 204 animals were removed, including 123 horses, eight donkeys and 59 dogs, due to welfare concerns.
“The investigation is now ongoing so we can’t go into any further detail at this time.
“However, we would like to thank Surrey Police, Guildford Borough Council, Bucks and Surrey Trading Standards, Bransby Horses, Redwings, the Horse Trust, the Donkey Sanctuary, World Horse Welfare, Dogs Trust and the vets who attended for their assistance.”
For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.
In today’s (10 January) edition, you can also find our training special, including a schooling session with the eventing world champion Ros Canter, and we tell you how you can optimise your training. Plus, read our full report from Liverpool International and our careers special, on how to land your dream job and why it is never too late to find a role you love.
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.
