Kent & Sussex Security Ltd.

Case Study: Vets use CCTV Camera to Keep a Compassionate Watch over Pregnant Mare

Kent & Sussex Security (KSS) based in Ashford, Kent has become accustomed to dealing with a variety of interesting and varied requests during their ten years in business. When they received a plea from a veterinary clinic in Maidstone to assist them monitor the progress of a mare experiencing serious complications with her pregnancy, they made immediate arrangements to help.

The call from the Equine Veterinary Clinic at Newnham Court in Maidstone came through on a Thursday afternoon. The very next day, KSS installed a camera which would allow the vets and staff to watch over the pregnant horse from a monitor in their office. This meant that the mare could be observed without the need to be disturbed, and so ensure that she remained calm and rested.

"Newnham Court Veterinary hospital approached Kent & Sussex Security for CCTV when we admitted a very difficult case. A young mare called Phoenix was in foal but had, unfortunately, developed an extremely rare and life threatening heart condition during her pregnancy. As foaling is a very stressful time, 24 hours surveillance was imperative, but we also needed to keep intrusion to a minimum. The camera gave us excellent imaging both day and night." comments vet in charge of the case, Katie Snalune BSc, MA, VetMB Cert EM (Int.Med) MRCVS. "We are pleased to say the birth went well and a lovely filly - named Katie - arrived safely. Both mother and daughter are now doing well. The CCTV was originally installed as a temporary measure for this specific case, but since enjoying its benefits we have decided to install it permanently, much to the delight of our clients."

A single Vista Bullet day/night camera with built in infra red lights was installed in the stable. With the infra red lights on, the staff were clearly able to see the mare without the need to switch on and off the stable lights, and so not disturb her. A Vista 15" flat screen colour monitor was mounted on the reception desk in the office and so allowed the staff to be able to keep a watchful eye on the mare.

Comments John Jameson from KSS "This was a particularly compassionate request, and we were pleased to help. For us, who deal every day with CCTV, it was a reminder that there are so many varied applications for the use of surveillance systems. Whist we are used to installing equipment to protect people and premises, it added another dimension to remember how beneficial such equipment can be in safeguarding animals as well."