One of our biggest rescues to date

On the 24th March 2009 we took part in one of our biggest rescues to date, rescuing nearly thirty equines in Alora Malaga. Five of the equines rescued were donkeys, three young boys all around 1 year old and a mare and her 6 month old foal.

The donkeys, horses and ponies had been reported to the agricultural office of Alora by SEPRONA (the Spanish equivalent of the RSPCA) as they were living without proper fencing or installations very close to a working train track, therefore causing a danger both to themselves and of course the public.

When the agricultural office investigated they also found that the animals' documents were not up to date. The owner was unable to pay the fines for this and unable to build proper stables and fencing due to the current economic situation, and as a consequence of this the animals were relinquished to us (the horses and ponies to CYD Santa Maria) by Alora's Agricultural Office.

All of the animals were moved in the same day using both the horse trailer and horse lorry, as well as two bigger lorries which met us on the outskirts of El Chorro to transport the horses and ponies to their new home in Alhaurin. The donkeys were the last to be loaded and they were brought straight back to their new home here at El Refugio.

It was an emotional day especially for the owner, although he did not have the correct installations he did love his animals very much and he was happy that his donkeys were coming here to Fuente de Piedra where he can visit them as often as he likes.

Before buying any equine, please make sure that you and the animal have the correct documentation; if you would like anymore information on the documentation required within or outside Andalucía please contact us.