The Animals' Refuge

Alfred Brisco

Alfred Brisco was born in Carlisle in 1898. His life was dedicated to preventing cruelty to animals. In the early 1920's he started the Carlisle Animals' Friends to help the pets of people unable to afford Veterinary care. This later became part of the National Equine Defence League, and Alfred was appointed as the League's Director. With the support of his wife, Peggy, he developed the Animals' Refuge, which became a Pit Pony retirement centre and found homes for unwanted pets.

In 1936, Alfred traveled to France, Belgium and Holland on a fact finding mission as a part of his efforts to promote humane slaughter and end cruel methods, then in use throughout Britain and Europe.  Alfred was a tireless campaigner for animals and would have been horrified at the suffering caused by the long journey to slaughter that horses endure today. Alfred died in 1971, but is still fondly remembered at the Refuge.

The Rescue

The National Equine (and Smaller Animals) Defence League which runs the Animals' Refuge, has been helping horses for almost 100 years. On hearing about the plight of Do Blexa and her friends from www.freewebs.com/equineurgency/index.htm Refuge staff acted immediately to rescue the mare and foals, along with three youngsters and bring them to Carlisle.

Meet the Ponies

The Animals' Refuge is now home to twelve remaining french ponies. The rescued ponies and foals will remain in the care of the League for the rest of their lives. Some of the mares and foals have now found their way into new loving homes and the yougsters will all be handled and will eventually be placed on loan in caring homes. They are:

	Do Blexa (Lexie) and Leo Lexie is a dark Bay, registered Pottok Section A, mare. She had a foal at foot (Chestnut Colt ) on coming to the Refuge and was carrying a foal, due in the Spring of 2009. Both mother and son have settled in very well and enjoy the attention given from staff and visitors. Lexie since arriving at the Refuge has given birth to new foal Jerome a liver and chestnut Pottok x Comtois who is now 2 years of age. Lexie and Leo have now both found new homes
	Lucy and Fern Lucy is a Pottok Bay mare She had a foal at foot (Chestnut filly named Fern) and was carrying a foal, due in the Spring of 2009. Lucy and her daughter are both very timid. With gradual socialisation they are slowly learning to trust people. Lucy gave birth at the Refuge in 2009 to chestnut Pottok x Comtois filly Rowan.
	Luna and Mimi Luna is a Pottok Dark Bay mare. She also had a foal at foot (Bay Filly named Mimi) and was carrying a foal, due in the Spring of 2009. Luna and her daughter have had little or no contact with people in the past and  as a result they are very wary of people. Luna foaled in May 2009 and Fleur was born, a Chestnut Pottock x Ilhuna
	Nakosa and Sabrina Nakosa is a pretty Black registered Pottock  Section A, mare. She had a foal at foot (Dark Bay Filly called Sabrina) and was carrying a foal, due in the Spring 2009. Nakosa loves motherhood and was very protective of her daughter. Nakosa gave birth to Francis in April 2009 a Black Pottock x
	Peggy Peggy is a stunning Liver Chestnut Breton Filly. She has a lovely laid back nature and is very friendly. Peggy has now found a new home where she will be broken to ride.
	Alf Alf is a striking Chestnut Comtois gelding with a Flaxen mane and tail. He arrived at the Refuge when he was 18 months old. He is a curious pony who would like to be friends with people though at present he is still a little wary.
	William William is a stunning Ardennes colt. He arrived at the Refuge when he was only 8 months old. He has a sweet nature and loves being around people. He has now found a new home.
	Jerome Jerome is a chestnut Pottok x Comtois who is now 2 years of age. He is a very easy going laid back pony Rowan Rowan was born in 2009 and is a chestnut Pottok x Comtois filly. Rowan is the smallest of the four foals.
	Fleur In May 2009 Luna gave birth and Fleur was born, a Chestnut Pottock x Ilhuna. Fleur is a friendly pony who loves people. Francis Francis is a black Pottock Cross and was born in April 2009. Francis is the largest of the foals, he is very curious and likes exploring new things.
All the Youngsters are progressing well. They are good with both the farrier and dentist, can be easily led and love to be groomed and are currently in the process of being taught to load into a trailer. All are ready and waiting for new homes.

How you can help

While the League does not have an issue with  horse meat if the trade is carried out under humane conditions, it does object to the cruel and unnecessary way in which horses going for slaughter are moved around Europe. The League fully supports international animal welfare campaigns to enforce and improve existing legislation. At present, horses can legally travel in lorries for up to 24 hours without food, water or rest. Many of the horses suffer from dehydration and exhaustion and some die before they reach their destination.

Here are some ways that you can help:

• Give a donation to Alf's fund. To help meet the cost of rescuing Do Blexa and friends and to provide future rescues, the League has launched Alf's Fund, in Mr Brisco's memory.

• Sign the ILPH's "Make a Noise Campaign"  petition.
• Write to your member of the European Parliament and ask them to raise the issue as a matter of urgency.

If you would like to make a donation to Alf's Fund, please download the donation form and post it with your donation to:

The Animals' Refuge

Oak Tree farm

Wetheral Shields

Carlisle

CA4 8JA

You can also make a donation using a debit card by phoning the Refuge office, 01228 560082.

Please have your card to hand when you call.

Thank You