Remus Horse Sanctuary Launches Hay Appeal as Drought Pushes Up Costs

Remus Horse Sanctuary has launched an appeal for donations towards its hay costs as the extremely dry summer weather leaves the Sanctuary facing an unexpected increase in the cost of feeding more than 100 rescued horses, ponies, donkeys and other animals.

Ordinarily at this time of year, Remus would not need to buy in hay as there would be plenty of grass in the paddocks for the animals to graze. However, the prolonged dry weather has reduced grass growth and affected farmers’ yields, putting pressure on hay supplies. As demand increases, so do prices. In January, a large bale of hay cost Remus £110. It is now £150, an increase of 36.4% in just six months, and the price is expected to continue rising. The Sanctuary is currently needing around nine large bales per week, costing approximately £5,400 a month, which was not included in its budget.

Every day, the rescued animals in Remus’s care depend on a constant supply of good quality hay. Unlike many other costs, feeding the animals cannot be delayed or reduced. As a Sanctuary providing lifelong care for more than 100 rescued animals, this unexpected increase in costs presents a significant challenge. Remus is appealing to supporters to help towards the additional cost of keeping its animals fed and cared for throughout what is proving to be an increasingly difficult summer.

Founder Sue Burton said: “We are facing a very challenging situation. Normally, by this time of year, our fields would be providing plenty of grass for the animals, but the exceptionally dry weather means we are having to buy in hay much earlier than expected.

“With the fifth heatwave of the summer looming this week, there is little sign of conditions improving. The cost of hay has already risen by more than a third since January and we simply cannot reduce the amount our animals need to eat.

“We are asking our supporters to help us meet this unexpected cost so that we can continue to provide the good quality food and lifelong care that every one of our rescued animals depends on.”

You can support the Remus Hay Appeal by donating via their Facebook Fundraiser or through their JustGiving page. Every contribution, however large or small, will help ensure Remus’ rescued animals have the food they need.