Centenary Year 2009

The League was founded by Francis Cox, who was moved by the condition of pit ponies which he witnessed being brought to surface after a long period of work underground. He was shocked by the way that pit ponies and other working animals could be treated, often worked to an early death in appalling conditions, and formed the League to campaign for legislation to protect them.

There were the early successes - legislation to limit working hours for pit ponies and improve their welfare and the appointment of inspectors to enforce these rules. In the 1920's, Carlisle Animals' Friends merged with the League, and its work expanded to help dogs, cats and other animals. The League operated a pit pony retirement home, and we still have one old deep-mine pony in our care, Scout. He is  well into his thirties, and enjoying a life of leisure.

Pit ponies enjoying their retirement at Blackwell.

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 too poor 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, Alf travelled to France, Belgium and Holland on a fact finding mission as part of his efforts to promote humane slaughter and end the 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.

Now based just outside Carlisle, the League operates The Animals' Refuge, a welfare centre which serves as a retirement home for horses, ponies, donkeys, cattle and sheep, and as a rehoming centre for dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets and other small pets. Also acting on behalf of the Carlisle City Council with the Dog warden Services.

                                    A Century of Care

This year the League celebrates its centenary. There has been huge progress in animal welfare since 1909, with good legislation to protect animals from abuse. Attitudes have changed too. Most people understand the need to neuter their dogs and cats, to prevent unwanted litters. Everyone has a duty of care towards the animals in their charge. However, things are still far from perfect, and more work needs to be done. The League’s Rehoming Team have to find homes for around 500 animals every year, from dogs and cats, to small pets like rabbits and ferrets.

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