Hannah Rowley from ILPH writes..
“We organised a series of rehoming events entitled ‘Love is….an ILPH companion’ on 21 April at our centres in Norfolk, Aberdeen and Blackpool. They focused on the rehoming of our companion horses and ponies (ones that can no longer be ridden or driven).
The aim of the events was not to fund-raise but to help promote the aims of NPM by increasing awareness of the role and benefits companion horses and ponies bring, both the the horse/s they are companion to and their new borrower. We also helped promote responsible pet ownership by drawing attention to the new Animal Welfare Act and the specialist needs horses and ponies have.
The events were well attended by the public and to date we have had nearly 30 serious enquiries from people interested in rehoming companions and we are currently carrying out home checks to assess their suitability.”
There was great press coverage and also great coverage on TV and radio. This included BBC Breakfast on 17 April.
Hannah goes on to say: ” We were absolutely delighted that BBC Breakfast wanted to cover the story. This was the best publicity the charity has ever had! We had to meet them at ILPH Hall Farm in Norfolk at 5am and they broadcast live from 6am to 9am (including weather) with interviews at 6.50am and 8.20am AND plugs in every half hour weather report! You can view a video about it at www.ilph.org/mediacentre.
We shall certainly be taking part in National Pet Month activity next year.”