The Donkey Sanctuary would like to express its deepest condolences on the very sad passing of Kirsty Withnall, a National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC) Board and Membership Director and RSPCA Inspector.

Kirsty served on the NEWC Board for four years and through her work at the RSPCA over more than 20 years she has been instrumental in bringing justice in some very high profile and significant animal welfare cases.

Kirsty (then Kirsty Hampton) was the lead inspector in one of the biggest horse rescue cases of all time, which took place at Spindle Farm, Amersham in 2008. It was at the time the longest-running animal welfare case in history and involved more than 100 horses and donkeys. It was an incredible example of multiagency working, but it was in a large part thanks to Kirsty’s diligence and commitment that the case was seen through to the end.

As part of her work in the RSPCA Special Operations team she has also been involved in several high-profile puppy farm cases and was even named in a novel by Peter James last year based on his research around this horrifying trade.

Earlier this year Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal presented Kirsty with the Colin Spedding Award at the National Equine Forum for her tireless services to equine and animal welfare.

Hannah Bryer, fellow NEWC Director and Head of Welfare at The Donkey Sanctuary, said: “Kirsty's commitment and passion for equine welfare ensured better welfare for many donkeys, horses and ponies. 

“In 2019 Kirsty led the RSPCA investigation at a farm in Ripley, Surrey. This complex case involved over 200 animals, including donkeys Max, Lady, Daisy, Heidi, Karen and Mars, who are now safely in the care of The Donkey Sanctuary.

“Kirsty always acted with kindness and compassion; she had an ability to connect with people even in the most challenges of circumstances.  

“I feel very lucky to have with worked alongside Kirsty in the field but also through our work for the National Equine Welfare Council. Her loss will be felt with deeply and we will always be thankful for what she did for donkeys during her career. Our thoughts are with Kirsty's loving family and with all those whose lives are richer for having known her.” 

Ruth Court, NEWC Vice Chair, said: “Kirsty really was an incredible hero for animal welfare, fighting to see justice done on so many occasions. But even more than her outstanding achievements, which really were extraordinary, we were proud to call her our colleague and our friend.

“I first met Kirsty as a degree student back when I started lecturing at Moulton College. She was the most wonderful, kind and warm person and a joy to teach and to work alongside. We are all so devasted by this desperately sad news and send our deepest love and best wishes to her family and friends.”

Kirsty passed away on Sunday 21 April after a long illness. She is survived by her husband and two children.