Founded in 2007, ERF is a not for profit association (Loi 1901) whose aim is to improve the welfare of equines in France through rescuing, campaigning and education.
After living in France for several years, friends Jon and Kathryn Dobson (President), Jenny Lupton (Secretary) and Trina Summerfield felt that there was a need for an English speaking association to bridge the gap between UK charities and other associations in France, and ERF was born. In early 2008, ERF were accredited as a Member Society of the W.S.P.A (World Society for the Protection of Animals).
Based in the South West (with bases in Depts 24, 16 and 86), ERF offers advice and support for both English and French speakers facing equine welfare issues. Working with key UK charities, ERF are able to campaign for welfare improvements, whether enforcing existing legislation or campaigning for change. By forging links with the key French associations and welfare bodies, ERF are able to support their work as well as to instigate local actions.
ERF regularly rescue horses and donkeys from maltreatment and then rehabilitate and re-home them under long-term loan contracts, often the process takes many months. ERF offers help and support to individuals who need to re-home their equines due to changes in their circumstances – an increasing problem in these times of financial hardship. In other cases, ERF can support owners by offering expert help and advice, Trina is a Monty Roberts Registered Associate and has show jumped at a National level, and Jenny has many years of both Eventing and Training behind her. Working together with the relevant DDSV (Directions départementales des services veterinaries), they have been successful in ensuring that neglected animals are regularly visited and improvement plans implemented.
ERF campaigning efforts focus on raising awareness of the long-haul transport issues facing equines in Europe where they do valuable work alongside WSPA and WHW (World Horse Welfare).
Fund raising is an important part of their work since, although the majority of work is voluntary, there are regular vets’ and farriers’ bills to be paid. Funds are raised through association membership and fund-raising activities organised by volunteers – donations are always welcome!
ERF’s blog at http://equinerescuefrance.wordpress.com/ is a valuable source of information as it is regularly updated with news and videos of the rescues as well as other welfare news and general information about caring for equines in France. For more information on becoming a member or supporting their work, see their website at www.equinerescuefrance.org.
