'It had to happen' - Beloved animals at Tettenhall Horse Sanctuary are moved as it closes its doors after 47 years

The sanctuary was founded by Billy Wilson in 1979 and was home for equines in need.

Mr Wilson’s declining health and financial pressures led to the family to making the difficult decision to close the charity.

His daughter Verity posted a heartfelt message on the charity's Facebook Page on Friday (May 30) and said the decision had come after a period of great personal and financial struggle.

She wrote: "As many of you know, my father, Billy Wilson - affectionately known as "Mr Mouse" - has been the heart and soul of the sanctuary since the 1970s, alongside me, his daughter Verity, who has taken on the full responsibility of caring for the horses and donkeys in recent years.

"However, due to my father’s declining health and the growing need to care for both him and my mother, along with the financial pressures of veterinary bills and the day-to-day upkeep of the sanctuary, this decision has become unavoidable.

"Despite our best efforts, the burden has grown too heavy for us to carry alone. I have worked tirelessly to ensure the animals receive the love and care they deserve, but with the added responsibility of looking after my parents, it has become clear that the sanctuary cannot continue in its current form.

"With the full support of the Donkey Sanctuary, the National Equine Welfare Council, and several other wonderful organizations, we have made the difficult decision to rehome the sanctuary’s beloved horses and donkeys."

The sanctuary was home to 20 equines - 10 donkeys and one mule, as well as nine ponies and horses.

Hannah Bryer, head of welfare at The Donkey Sanctuary and a director of the National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC), a coalition of dedicated equine welfare organisations, said: “Our priority was to work closely with Verity to ensure positive welfare outcomes for the equines in their care and to identify sustainable, long-term solutions that would continue to meet their needs.

“The closure of Tettenhall Horse Sanctuary highlights the real and significant challenges currently facing charities across the UK. Equine welfare organisations are battling rising costs, limited resources, and increasing demand for support.”

Most of the horses and donkeys have been re-homed in Dorset, Lincolnshire, South Yorkshire, Somerset, Oxfordshire, Norfolk and Devon.

Two horses, Tilly and Benny, were put to sleep after guidance from a vet at Redwings Horse Sanctuary and two remaining ones Shadow and Pop will continue to cared for at Tettenhall.

Verity said: "Our vets at Severn Edge have been wonderful in advising us and ensuring all the necessary steps were taken so our equines could leave happy and healthy. 

"Hannah and her team have also been so kind and supportive in helping me make these very difficult decisions.”