About SWEP

Aims
SWEP was formed due to the demand for a locally based society to follow up concerns about equine welfare, whether moorland, privately owned or abandoned. Enquiries and requests for help are received from members of the public and from other organisations. We have helped many horses and ponies and with your help will continue to do so.
SWEP is active in Devon and Cornwall and works in partnership with other organisations such as the Devon & Cornwall Constabulary (including Horsewatch), ILPH, DEFRA, local Commoners Associations, Dartmoor National Park as well as other animal welfare groups. We have worked for a number of years on Dartmoor, and more recently, on Bodmin Moor.

Funding
SWEP has a membership of approximately 200, with a team of volunteers caring for rescued equines and organising fund raising activities such as events.
We welcome donations from the public and businesses - see our Roll of Honour

Rescues
When an animal is rescued it is signed over to us on a legally binding contract and remains the property of SWEP for the remainder of its life.
All rescued equines that come into our care receive veterinary attention and any other help they require to make a full recovery - no matter how bad their original condition or how long their recovery takes.

Rehoming
When the animals are fit and well they are rehomed on a loan scheme. The loan home is inspected and the animal is signed over on a loan co Gingeh

ntract. The animal is checked twice year to ensure that the r required standards are met.

Campaign Issues
One of SWEP's aims is to encourage responsible ownership - this includes moorland equines as well as domestic horses and ponies.
Ownership of moorland ponies is often difficult to establish, allowing unscrupulous owners to escape their responsibilities.
SWEP is campaigning for a registration scheme for equines on common land. See the Hot Issues page for more information.