“History is a better guide than good intentions”, Jeane J. Kirkpatrick (American Diplomat, b.1926)

Ilex came into the UK in 2008 via a UK forum that specialises in 'rescuing' horses from the abattoir. Her new owner was told that she had mud fever, however shortly after her arrival it was diagnosed as a granulated tumour (and sadly, probably the reason why she was destined for the abattoir in the first place).

Ilex was loaned out by her owner in early 2009 and she subsequently was passed on to a new owner for a token sum. Unfortunately, Ilex's condition degenerated to the point where it was recommended that she be humanely destroyed and her owner organised for a local slaughterer to come and collect her...

Which should be where the story ends, rather than continuing as though being written by Lemony Snicket - and I can assure you dear reader that he has had no hand the recording of the following sickening events...

The slaughterman was paid to collect Ilex and take her back to his premises where he was supposed to deliver the final coup de grace and then organise her crematation. However, Ilex was apparently sold on by him to a dealer - who if the story is to be believed, intended to ship Ilex to the continent for human consumption - the very fate that was she was 'rescued' from in France!

However....

Another dealer visited this dealer and being in the business of 'rescuing' meat horses from France, recognised Ilex.

A deal was made between the two, and Ilex again finds herself being an Urgent Case on a UK rescue site where donations are requested and made in order to 'secure her future'.

INAG understants that Ilex is now at the home of the Dealer/Rescuer, but if Ilex's tumour really is having such a profound effect on her quality of life that euthenasia has already been recommended, this may well have to wait until it is determined by law who is her legal owner.

INAG predicts that the fallout from this one case we have highlighted will have far reaching consequences for many and to quote Lemony Snicket - 'If you are interested in stories with happy endings you would be better off reading some other book.' Sadly, the one who should have had the happiest ending - Ilex - is still suffering and her owner is devastated at the situation!

Perhaps on reflection, Albert Camus actually sums this whole crazy situation better - 'The evil that is in the world almost always comes of ignorance, and good intentions may do as much harm as malevolence if they lack understanding.' Because yet again, we are witnessing the suffering of a horse through the ignorance and 'good intentions' surrounding French Rescue!


INAG will be following Ilex's outcome with interest!