Multicoloured bandages help brighten up recovery for Phoenix the three-month-old foal believed to have been set alight in ‘barbaric arson attack’
- WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT
- Phoenix the foal was allegedly set alight in Kent at around 10.15pm on August 3
- The ‘barbaric’ alleged arson attack saw Phoenix suffer from full-body burns
- Horse died at the stable in Barnfield Park after it was said to have been set alight
- Vets have been giving Phoenix colourful bandages to brighten up his recovery
A three-month-old foal suffering from full-body burns has been wrapped in colourful bandages after he was allegedly set alight in a ‘barbaric’ arson attack.
Vets caring for Phoenix the foal have dressed him in colourful bandages, adorned with rainbow and ladybird patterns, to brighten his days as he recovers from the horrifying injuries.
The young horse almost died when he lost most of his hair and mane and his tiny body was burnt to a crisp in a ‘barbaric’ and ‘cruel’ alleged arson attack in Ash, near Sevenoaks, in Kent at around 10.15pm on August 3.
It is thought that his Barnfield Park stable was set alight in a sick arson attack, while a horrified passerby spotted the injured foal after he ran out on to the road.
Another horse died in the alleged attack and two fire engines attended the scene to extinguish the blaze.
Vets caring for Phoenix the foal have dressed him in colourful bandages, adorned with rainbow, ladybird and polka dot patterns as he recovers from full-body burns
The young horse’s body (pictured in ladybird bandages) was burnt to a crisp in a ‘barbaric’ and ‘cruel’ alleged arson attack in Ash, near Sevenoaks, in Kent at around 10.15pm on August 3
He was rushed Lingfield Equine Vets before being transferred to Redwings Horse Sanctuary in Hapton, Norfolk, where he is being treated around the clock.
Phoenix will need long-term care before he recovers, and vets have introduced him to his ‘foster mum’ Mildred, a black and white mare who has started caring for the injured horse.
He now has to be fully bandaged to prevent infection, with new dressings needed every two days, which has prompted vets to get creative with his bandages.
His colourful bandages, which included superman, ladybird and polka dot designs, prompted an outpouring of support from teary-eyed supporters on social media.
Pam Coulson commented on Facebook: ‘Bless him he’s a very special boy looks great in his bandages.
‘Bless you for your care, speedy wishes Phoenix.xxx’
It is thought that his Barnfield Park stable was set alight in a sick arson attack, while a horrified passerby spotted the injured foal (his burns pictured) after he ran out on to the road
He was rushed Lingfield Equine Vets before being transferred to Redwings Horse Sanctuary (pictured at the sanctuary) in Hapton, Norfolk, where he is being treated around the clock
He now has to be fully bandaged to prevent infection, with new dressings needed every two days. Pictured: Phoenix’s burns while he recovers at the horse sanctuary
Phoenix still needs round-the-clock care (pictured at Redwings Horse Sanctuary), including daily blood tests, and vets are considering skin grafts to save his charred body
Joan Mccue added: ‘He might not be able to fly but little Phoenix is truly a super hero xxx’
The alleged arson attack was described as ‘barbaric’ by Nic de Brauwere, head of welfare and behaviour at Redwings.
He told KentOnline: ‘It’s heartbreaking that anyone would target any animal, but particularly such an innocent foal with such a barbaric act of cruelty.’
Phoenix still needs round-the-clock care, including daily blood tests, and vets are considering skin grafts to save his charred body.
Nicola Knight, communications manager at Redwings, said: ‘It’s very early days still but clinically Phoenix seems to be much stronger and is an absolute sweetheart, so our vet team are completely smitten!
‘He is getting on well with his new foster mum Mildred and has been having some turnout in the field each day which he really seems to enjoy.’
Redwings Horse Sanctuary said it has been flooded with donations and gifts since Phoenix’s horrific story came to light last month.
Nicola added: ‘We’ve been inundated with donations, cards and presents and the public have really taken him to their hearts; so we’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has been in touch, it really means such a lot to us.’
The alleged arson attack was described as ‘barbaric’ by Nic de Brauwere, head of welfare and behaviour at Redwings. Pictured: Phoenix covered in bandages at the sanctuary
Commenting on Phoenix’s case last month, a spokesperson for Redwings said that the horse hospital had ‘never seen anything this bad’. Pictured: Phoenix’s full-body burns
It is understood that Kent Police were informed of the alleged arson incident but no arrests were made. Pictured: Phoenix is looked after by staff at the horse sanctuary
Speaking of the attack, Nic de Brauwere, head of welfare at Redwings, added: ‘It’s heartbreaking that anyone would target any animal, but particularly such an innocent foal, with such a barbaric act of cruelty.
‘Phoenix’s condition was very touch-and-go for a few days but he started to respond to treatment.
‘Even if he pulled through his initial treatment, it was clear he would need to be somewhere that could provide long-term intensive care, as well as a new permanent home, so we were only too happy to help.’
Commenting on Phoenix’s case last month, a spokesperson for Redwings said that the horse hospital had ‘never seen anything this bad’.
Hospital communications manager Stephanie Callen told The Sun: ‘We’re still being very careful with who gets close to him to protect him as best as possible from infection.’
It is understood that Kent Police were informed of the alleged arson incident but no arrests have made yet.
A spokesperson said: ‘Kent Police is investigating a suspected arson at a stable in Barnfield Park, Ash, at around 10pm on Tuesday 3 August 2021.
‘The fire caused the death on one horse and another horse was located nearby with serious burns. Enquiries are ongoing and at this stage no arrests have been made.
‘Anyone with information can call 01622 604100 quoting reference 46/140289/21. They can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete the online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.’
Speaking about the incident, a Kent Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: ‘Kent Fire and Rescue Service was called at 22.13 on 3 August to reports of a fire at a stable in Barnfield Park, in Ash, Sevenoaks.
‘Two fire engines attended and crews used hose reel jets to extinguish the flames.
‘No casualties were reported, however one horse had died at the scene before crews arrived.
‘The cause of the fire is believed to be suspicious. Please contact Kent Police for further details.’
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