There have been more horrific attacks on the animals at Rye’s Undercliff Pony Rescue. Hair has been hacked from all nine of the ponies over two nights, including Tommy the mule who was brutally stabbed in the face last year in a story that made headlines around the world. As well as dealing with traumatized animals, owner Sharon Baker says she is also being targeted by online trolls making unfounded and very personal allegations.
The latest attacks took place in the early hours of Wednesday, September 26 and Thursday, September 27. Tommy had his tail cut during the first assault, along with rescue ponies Kitty and Saskia who had both their tails and manes hacked. The attackers returned the following night taking hair from the rest of the animals, as well as more from the ponies cut the previous night. Whilst there are some CCTV pictures, they don’t identify what are thought to be four assailants. The police have been informed.
Sharon says the attack is unusual but not uncommon. “Horse hair is very expensive and can be used for show ponies and rocking chairs. It’s disgusting that it’s come to this. I’m sick and tired of trying to do the best for my horses, but people just don’t care. How is it fine to do this to animals who’ve already been badly treated and are enjoying a nice life here at the Undercliff?” She’s now appealing for funds to improve security coverage of the centre.
Online accusations about the state of the rescue centre have added to the stress. Sharon says she is being unfairly singled out mainly on Facebook by fake accounts. “The damage these people do is so unfair. My kids have seen it. It’s affecting my health. I’m not sure I can carry on running the centre. It’s left me heartbroken. I’ve given and given and given and I’m now worn out.”
Animal lovers have taken to social media to show support for Sharon and the rescue centre.
https://undercliffponyrescue.uk/
Image Credits: Sharon Baker .
I’m so very sorry to see that Sharon Baker and her rescued animals have been attacked again. In the few years I have known Sharon, and been impressed by the efforts she has made to improve the lives of the ponies and Donny the donkey, I have never known Sharon demonstrate anything other than dedicated care and support and absolute commitment to their welfare. Sharon is retired and has had to work really hard to make Undercliff Pony Rescue what it is today. It has taken massive effort and sacrifice. The land is on a cheap lease, of necessity, with no proper water supply. It is not a high quality plot of land and Sharon has to transport all of the needs of the ponies, including their water, herself. This is hard heavy work in all weathers all year round. The stable shelters are a recent addition as are all the improvements Sharon has made to the plot. Being the subject of internet trolls probably stems from envy.
It’s awful to receive hurtful criticism totally unjustified. I just hope Sharon sees it for what it is and doesn’t allow it to make her feel discouraged.
This really is abhorrent. Walking past the horses, ponies and donkey are one of the simple free pleasures of Rye life. But the question is, instead of sending in random donations, what can we collectively do to give the animals proper night time shelter? Surely that is their Achilles’ heel, they are outdoors at night instead of being in stables.
This is so upsetting to read of these awful attacks on innocent animals, I cannot understand why someone would do this. Any animal attacks are so cruel and heartless let’s hope the police find who are responsible.