Animal Health Trust seeking urgent funds to prevent 'imminent closure'

Newmarket-based charity Animal Health Trust is seeking emergency funding as it faces imminent closure following financial difficulties and the ongoing economic implications of the coronavirus pandemic.

The veterinary and scientific research charity was established in 1942 and played a key role in analysing thousands of samples during the equine influenza outbreak last year, when racing was shut down for six days.

The charity's trustees are seeking urgent funding, as without an immediate input of funds it is likely to close on March 31.

The Animal Health Trust, whose president is the Princess Royal, has 257 members of staff and relies on donations, fundraising and its charity lottery to help raise money to support its goal to provide veterinary care for horses, dogs and cats and develop scientific research that discovers effective treatments.

A statement on the Animal Health Trust website read: "We're devastated to announce that following a period of dire financial constraints, and now with the economic implications of Covid-19 having a direct effect on funding, our charity is facing imminent closure.

The Animal Health Trust processed around 4,000 tests during the equine influenza crisis last yearCredit: EDward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

"The Animal Health Trust has been in existence for more than 75 years and makes a significant difference to the health and welfare of animals.

"Much of the work we do is unique, and without us, this work will cease, putting thousands of animals at risk from disease and injury."

The Animal Health Trust's equine referral clinic offers specialist services in lameness and diagnostic imaging among other areas and the charity hosts education and training programmes.

The statement continued: "The trustees and executive committee continue to seek emergency funding, including the potential use of recently announced government schemes, in order to save the unparalleled knowledge and expertise the organisation houses, but without an urgent input of significant funds the charity is likely to close at the end of this month.

"We're working with our 257 members of staff to support them through this difficult time. Further updates will be available in due course."

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