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 four pregnant mares with foals at foot and  three youngsters. The rescued ponies and their unborn foals will remain in the care of the League for the rest of their lives. The youngsters will all be handled and will eventually be placed on loan in caring homes. They are:

	Do Blexa (Lexie) and Colt Lexie is a dark Bay, registered Pottok Section A, mare. She has a foal at foot (Chestnut Colt ) and is 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.
	Lucy and Mimi Lucy is a Pottok Bay mare She has a foal at foot (Chestnut filly named Mimi) and is 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.
	Luna and Filly Luna is a Pottok Dark Bay mare. She also has a foal at foot (Bay Filly) and is 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.
	Nakosa and Sabrina Nakosa is a pretty Black registered Pottock  Section A, mare. She has a foal at foot ( Dark Bay Filly called Sabrina) and is carrying a foal, due in the Spring 2009. Nakosa loves motherhood and is very protective of her daughter.
	Peggy Peggy is a stunning Liver Chestnut Breton Filly. At 7 months old Peggy is already showing signs of being a good all rounder. She has a lovely laid back nature and is very friendly.
	Alf Alf is a striking Chestnut Comtois gelding with a Flaxen mane and tail. He is 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 stunning Ardennes colt. He is Bay in colour and is 8 months old.  He has a sweet nature and likes to be around people.

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

The National Equine (and Smaller Animals) Defence League
Registered Charity Number 280700