A PONY protection sanctuary has closed it doors to new horses needing care amid a “dire” funding crisis.

Trustees for the Essex Horse and Pony Protection Society have made the drastic decision to stop accepting new horses because they are struggling to care for the 300 already on their books.

The decision was made for the charity to be able to last through the winter months.

Sue Allery, chairman of the sanctuary, said she will try and find new accommodation for any new horses that need help, but she cannot take them in.

She said: “Most of the horses that come into our care require extensive and costly veterinary treatment.

“We get calls daily for our services to help horses who are subjected to unbelievable cruelty and do not want to be in a position where we are no longer able to help.

“It is a long time since we have had to deal with such a serious lack of funding and it is only to our fantastic supporters that we can turn to for help.

“If you are able to donate, any contribution, however small, will be very gratefully appreciated and will be crucial in helping us through this very difficult time.

“More than anything, we desperately need people to organise fundraising events.

“At the end of the day, we are running out of fundraising ideas and money fast but the demand is higher than ever.

“We can’t accept any more horses, we are struggling enough as it is.”

Ms Allery is also hoping that people who have land or a stable can temporarily take in ten horses over the winter to relieve the pressure on the sanctuary.

She also hope that the funding situation will improve over winter, which could mean that the sanctuary could take on more horses next year.

She added: “We want to be here for another 30 years.”

If you would like to make a donation towards our work, please send a cheque (made payable to “EHPPS”) toEHPPS, Pitsea Hall Lane, Basildon, Essex SS16 4UH.

You can also donate via Paypal at http://ehpps.org.uk/how-you-can-help/donate