Rescued horse gives birth to Gizmo

Matthew SparkesWhen Nooky the miniature Shetland was seized by the RSPCA, she had been badly neglected by her owners.She was suffering from hypothermia, infected insect bites and deformed hooves - but was also heavily pregnant.Matthew Sparkes

When Nooky the miniature Shetland was seized by the RSPCA, she had been badly neglected by her owners.

She was suffering from hypothermia, infected insect bites and deformed hooves - but was also heavily pregnant.

Now, after several weeks of care at Redwings Horse Sanctuary, she has recovered and given birth to a healthy foal named Gizmo.

'Nooky has made a fantastic recovery and we are delighted that little Gizmo is such a picture of health,' said head of welfare, Nicolas De Brauwere.

'We are pleased that the Animal Welfare Act allows us to step in with cases like Nooky's so we can work with owners and intervene to prevent suffering before it really takes hold.'

The sanctuary had spotted neglected Nooky and become concerned about her welfare due to her appearance.

In collaboration with the RSPCA, she was seized from her owners, who admitted they had not given her the care she needed.

Now both Nooky and Gizmo have a safe and permanent home at Redwings' Norfolk base.

So far this year the sanctuary has taken in over 180 horses, and seen the birth of 23 foals. Including Gizmo, 18 of these foals have been born by rescued mothers.