AN animal charity is celebrating gaining registered charity status by holding a family fun day next week.
Berkshire-based SAFE (Saving Abandoned Fly-Grazing Equines), which was set up in 2014 in response to the abandonment of 38 horses in a field in Binfield, works to rehome and rehabilitate horses and ponies which have been dumped by their owners.
Trustee Alison Stratford, who helped to set up SAFE alongside Vicki Painter, said: “The horses come into the care of SAFE with a range of health issues, frightened and timid having had little or no human contact.
“The volunteers look after them, gain their trust over time and with the help of vets and farriers, nurse them back to a full bill of health.
“There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing the ponies happy and healthy.
“They thrive on the love and attention that the volunteers give.
“To witness the change within a few months of their arrival is amazing.”
Ms Painter added: “Now we are a registered charity we will be able to take advantage of GiftAid, wholesale discounts and some VAT relief. But more importantly, we hope the status and credibility will allow us to push forward politically, working with government and authorities to tackle the current UK Horse Crisis.”
To celebrate achieving registered charity status, SAFE will be holding a fun day and fundraising event at Emmbrook Sports and Social Club, in Lowther Road, on Monday, May 29. There will be games, stalls, farm animals and inflatables.
It runs from 11am to 4pm.
Entry is free but donations will be welcome throughout the day. For more details visit www.safe-horses.co.uk.
