Remus Horse Sanctuary in Ingatestone, Essex, has launched an emergency appeal to cover unexpected feeding costs after dry weather pushed hay prices up by more than a third. The sanctuary, which provides lifelong care for over 100 rescued horses, ponies, and donkeys, now faces a monthly bill of £5,400 for hay alone.
Drought causes hay shortage and price surge
Normally, the animals would graze on lush grass in the fields during summer. However, the prolonged dry spell has halted grass growth, creating a widespread shortage of hay. Prices have climbed from £110 for a large bale in January to £150 today. The sanctuary now needs around nine bales every week, an unbudgeted expense that cannot be delayed or reduced.
Founder Sue Burton calls for public support
Founder Sue Burton said: “We are facing a very challenging situation. Normally, by this time of year, our fields would be providing plenty of grass for the animals, but the exceptionally dry weather means we are having to buy in hay much earlier than expected.
“With the fifth heatwave of the summer looming this week, there is little sign of conditions improving. The cost of hay has already risen by more than a third since January and we simply cannot reduce the amount our animals need to eat.
“We are asking our supporters to help us meet this unexpected cost so that we can continue to provide the good quality food and lifelong care that every one of our rescued animals depends on. Every single contribution, no matter the size, will make a massive difference to the team.”
How to donate to the sanctuary
Caring members of the public can donate directly through the sanctuary’s dedicated JustGiving or Facebook Fundraiser pages. The sanctuary relies heavily on the kindness of local supporters to meet the needs of its rescued animals, and the appeal aims to bridge the gap until grass growth resumes.
