Our Mission

To provide urgent, compassionate care for ownerless and neglected equines across New Zealand, ensuring no horse is left to suffer.

We intervene when owners cannot or will not provide adequate care, operating with full transparency and in accordance with the 5 Freedoms of Animal Welfare.

Why We Exist

Every year, countless horses across New Zealand face neglect, abandonment, starvation, and abuse. When they have no owner to care for them—or when their owners fail them—these magnificent animals are left vulnerable and suffering.

Equine Welfare New Zealand exists to be their safety net. We are a registered charity (CC63890) dedicated to one singular, urgent mission: ensuring that no equine is left to suffer.

Our Core Values

Our mission is guided by unwavering principles that shape every rescue, every decision, and every life we save.

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Urgency

Time is critical in equine welfare. We respond rapidly to reports of neglect and abuse, mobilizing resources to intervene before it's too late.

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Compassion

Every horse deserves dignity and respect. We treat each equine as an individual, providing trauma-informed care that recognizes their suffering and their resilience.

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Transparency

As a registered charity, we operate with full accountability to our community, ensuring every resource is used to directly benefit the equines in our care.

What We Do

Emergency Rescue Operations

When we receive reports of equine neglect or abuse, we act quickly. Our team works with local authorities and animal welfare inspectors to legally remove horses from life-threatening situations and transport them to our Albany sanctuary.

We specialize in cases involving ownerless horses, abandoned animals, and situations where owners have failed to provide basic care despite warnings.

Comprehensive Rehabilitation

Once safe at our sanctuary, each horse receives immediate veterinary assessment, customized nutrition plans, and ongoing medical care. We treat everything from starvation and dehydration to untreated injuries and chronic health conditions.

Our goal is not just survival—it's full recovery, both physical and emotional. We provide the time, space, and expert care needed for each horse to heal completely.

Join Our Mission

If you see an equine in need, don't wait. Your call could be their only chance for survival.

Report a Case Now

Emergency Line: 027 218 2114