Spring update

At last sunshine and good weather start filling the days, and the tourist, fairs and fiestas season is underway in many places around the country.

To our donkeys, this means an increase in their use and situations that may affect their welfare. We will be extremely busy over May and June. First of all, due to the celebration of El Rocío. During this massive pilgrimage, horses and mules are used to make the trip to the hermitage, and according to reports we have yet to verify, donkeys are rented out under no regulations, which may put them in a position where abuse or cruelty may occur.

This actually happens during the “Feria de la Manzanilla”, in Sanlúcar de Barrameda, when some thirty donkeys are put up for rent at the beach under no regulations whatsoever, in spite of this activity being prohibited. We have held a meeting with the Council Representative for Local Celebrations and we have been promised they will have the means to avoid such activity, hence preventing situations like the one in the attached video happening again.

Donkey-Taxi high season is also underway. This year, faced with the terrible conditions of the donkeys and mules in Santorini (Greece), we have started an awareness and protest campaign to get fair conditions for these animals. We encourage you to support us on this one.

Finally, spring is noticeable in our farms and thanks to last winter’s abundant rain our donkeys can enjoy fresh grass in their paddocks. Visiting us is free of charge, you’re all very welcome to do so.