South West Equine Protection

SWEP (South West Equine Protection) is a charity, formed due to the demand for a locally based society, to follow up reports and requests for help from members of the public and organisations concerned about the welfare of any equine, whether moorland, privately owned or abandoned. If it is found that the animal is suffering, either from deliberate cruelty, neglect, ignorance, accident or abandonment, it is rescued (taken into care) by SWEP.

SWEP is active in Devon and Cornwall (UK) and works in partnership with other organisations such as the Devon & Cornwall Constabulary (including Horsewatch), ILPH, DEFRA, Dartmoor & Bodmin Moor Commoners Associations, Dartmoor National Park and other animal welfare groups.

Rescues

SWEP is not an animal sanctuary - it does not house its rescues on its own premises after rehabilitation. When an animal is rescued, it is signed over to SWEP on a legally binding contract and remains the property of the charity for the remainder of its life. The animal receives the veterinary attention and rehabilitation it requires to make a full recovery - no matter how bad the original condition or how long recovery takes.

Rehoming

When the animal is fit and well, it is rehomed on a loan scheme. The loan home is initially inspected and the animal is signed over on a loan contract requiring the animal to be checked by SWEP twice a year, to ensure that the required welfare standards are met.

Campaign Issues

One of SWEP's aims is to encourage...
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