Brave Foal Phoenix Battles Brutal Burns After Vicious Attack
A tiny 7-week-old colt named Phoenix is fighting for his life after a shocking act of cruelty left him with horrific burns from head to hooves. The little foal was discovered near Sevenoaks, Kent on August 3rd, suffering severe burns over one entire side of his body, losing most of his foal hair and mane, and covered in painful sores.
From Lingfield Emergency Care to Redwings Sanctuary
Phoenix was rushed to Lingfield Equine Vets, close to where he was found, and spent over two weeks receiving emergency treatment. As soon as the vets saw his condition, they called in the Redwings Horse Sanctuary in Norfolk to offer long-term hope.
“It’s heart-breaking that anyone would target such an innocent foal with such a barbaric act of cruelty,” said Nic de Brauwere, Redwings’ Head of Welfare & Behaviour. “Phoenix’s condition was touch and go, but thanks to his fighting spirit and the skill of Lingfield’s carers, he started to pull through.”
Once strong enough, Phoenix was carefully transported to Redwings’ Horse Hospital for round-the-clock intensive care and a permanent safe haven.
Round-the-Clock Care and a Surrogate Mum on Standby
At Redwings, Phoenix is recovering in the ICU stables. A gentle mare named Mildred, a permanent resident, has been stabled nearby to keep him company and become his surrogate mother when he’s ready.
Sadly, Phoenix’s mother has vanished without trace.
Senior Vet Nicky Jarvis said, “His skin will take a long time to heal, and he’s likely to have significant scarring. The burns cover his entire left side, including his legs, and it’s incredibly painful. He struggles to lie down, but he’s eating well and remains alert and friendly despite everything. We’re doing all we can to clean and dress his wounds and keep him comfortable with pain relief.”
The road ahead is tough, but Phoenix’s strong will and the dedicated teams at Lingfield and Redwings offer a fighting chance for this tiny battler to survive and thrive.
