Two horses found “suffering” on land at Lissan Road, Enniskillen last month are now safe in an animal sanctuary.

Through the work of local animal welfare officers and the persistence of Lisnaskea horse-lover Siofra McKenna, the horses now have a better chance at life.

When animal welfare officer Karen Kerr-George found the animals, they had no water and very little grass to graze. The gray horse was wearing a head collar that was wedged tightly to its face, causing a wound that was “oozing very badly”.

An article in The Impartial Reporter outlining that the horses would be put down if they could not be re-homed prompted 30-year-old BT worker Siofra to make a call to Holly’s Horse Haven in County Louth.

“I wanted to help. If more people spoke out, there wouldn’t be as much equine cruelty going on,” Siofra states. “They asked for more information on the horses so I contacted the Council,” she continues. “One horse saved is one less horse suffering. I have great time for and a love of horses. I am so glad to hear that these two horses are safe,” Siofra said.

Luckily, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council (FODC) had already contacted Holly’s Horse Haven and arrangements were in place to transport the horses.

The horses arrived in Omeath, County Louth on Saturday evening, with a spokeswoman from Holly’s Horse Haven stating: “Bay horse Sharon and gray horse Tracy are both very shy and not to sure of people, but they are eating well. We have taken them into our charity and will be looking for a loving home as soon as they are ready. They are so close, therefore it would be good if we can find them a loving home with each other. If anyone wants to offer them a home, they can email Holly’s Horse Haven on hollyshorsehaven@hotmail.co.uk” Founded in 2008 by Joe and Elaine Duffy, Holly’s is a charity that has evolved into a twenty-four-seven critical care centre for rescued horses. It is run on a voluntary basis and is “dedicated to preventing unnecessary slaughter, abuse, and neglect of horses.” The spokeswoman continues: “Some horses come to us with permanent injury or medical problems ... our rescue also works very closely with law enforcement officers and will house and care for horses that have been impounded.” As a young girl Siofra dreamed of owning a horse. Once she started working she saved up and is now the proud owner of two rescued horses, Murphy and Molly. In addition, Molly recently gave birth to a foal, Bella. Siofra urges locals to take action against cruelty to animals, saying: “Often people will see animals and think: ‘Isn’t that awful, but someone else will do something about it.’ The more people who take immediate action, there wouldn’t be as much cruelty going on. I’m just glad those two horses are safe.”