The British Horse Society has expressed its outrage at the decision to return 29 donkeys and Shetland ponies to the family at the centre of the recent rescue operation at Spindles Farm in Amersham, Buckinghamshire.

The January rescue of more than 100 horses, ponies and donkeys from the premises of Jamie Gray was one of the largest equine welfare operations ever to have take place in the United Kingdom. It saw many different horse welfare organisations working together to seize and subsequently rehabilitate the animals involved.

The decision made at Oxford Magistrates Court to return 29 of the ponies and donkeys to the Gray family, and to have the remainder of the animals sold at public auction, has come as a huge blow to all of those involved with the operation and to everybody who is concerned about horse welfare.

BHS Welfare Senior Executive Lee Hackett said: "The BHS is shocked and disappointed by the decision to return a number of horses to the Gray family.

"Whilst we recognise that the trials of those charged in this case have yet to take place, the terrible condition of the animals at the time they were rescued should have been enough to ensure that they remain safely in the care of rescue organisations.

"This will be devastating news to everybody who has been involved in the care and rehabilitation of these animals".

Mr Hackett continues: "The decision to sell the remainder of the horses, ponies and donkeys at public auction is as mystifying as it is disappointing.

"We are appalled that these animals will now be put in a position where their future welfare cannot be guaranteed.

"We fully support the RSPCA's argument that they should be allowed to supervise the re-homing of these horses to approved homes where knowledgeable and responsible people will care for them. This is the absolute least that these animals deserve."

For further information, please contact: Lee Hackett, The British Horse Society, 01926 707804