Two people have been arrested in connection with a multi-agency RSPCA-led investigation into a farm in Surrey.
Hollie Iribar, Surrey Police’s wildlife and rural co-ordinator, confirmed that last Wednesday (9 January) the force executed a warrant under the Animal Welfare Act, and arrested a 65-year-old man and a 57-year-old woman, both from Woking.
“They were taken to custody and interviewed by the RSPCA and a Surrey Police officer, and have been released under investigation while enquiries remain ongoing,” Ms Iribar said.
“The RSPCA are leading in the investigation with the support of Surrey Police.”
More than 100 horses were taken, owing to welfare concerns, along with donkeys and dogs
A spokesman for the RSPCA 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.”
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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.
