24 hours to save a mistreated donkey
This image was taken in Segorbe (Castellon, Spain) on 10th of March, when El Refugio del Burrito got an anonymous call reporting the terrible physical condition of this animal. The owner (apparently suffering from Diogenes syndrome) usually makes him pull a cart full of scrap from town to town.
The donkey suffers from severe malnutrition, dehydration, hoof infection, wounds all over the body caused by using inappropriate harnesses and internal and external serious parasite infections. Working so hard along with his poor physical condition leaves the animal exhausted as the picture shows. His life was at risk and he needed urgent assistance.
Giving the passivity of the authorities regarding the suffering of the animal, which considered it a non-urgent matter, we decided to start a sign-up campaign to rescue this poor donkey. The campaign was very successful and in less than 13 hours, 12.600 people was asking the town hall and the police to locate where the donkey was and take him immediately to a safe place, where we could take care of him.
The next morning at 8.00am members of SEPRONA (Spanish flora and fauna police) called us to coordinate the rescue of this donkey. The donkey, who has been named Vida (Life in Spain) is now safe and having treatment by equine experts. In addition to taking care of Vida, we will also carry out the prosecution of the case.
Vida is recovering at a safe place and we will garantee he has the life he deserves. Check his progress here:
Like Vida, right now there are many donkeys suffering mistreatment, omission of basic care or abandonment in Spain. We receive an average of 40 calls per month reporting animal cruelty.
Help make a difference
The costs of taking care of every donkey and legal prosecutions are very high (each one averaging €1400) and we desperately need support to continue helping donkeys and mules in need.
Please donate to enable us to help Vida now and rescue other donkeys in distress like him.