Donkey rescues
Here's Marco, the first mule!
All the 6 donkeys came from our holding base in France who rescued many of them from lives of misery and neglect, now safely here with us they can look forward to a future full of respect and love. These are the last donkeys to arrive at IRDA in Sala Biellese, which brings the total number of donkeys homed with us to 113. Among these last 6 rescued animals, there is our first ever mule!. His name is Marco, he's a handsome brown mule and he's the boss in his group.
Besides Marco, the other 5 donkeys are Philippe, Clarissa, Gilles, Fleur and Jean-Pierre.
Agostino was totally abandoned
Agostino was found abandoned in a farm where several animals had literally starved. He was hungry and thirsty and, of course, angry.
On his arrival at the Rifugio, Agostino was frightened and aggressive. All members of staff experienced his sudden attacks and it wasn't a pleasure, even if it was quite funny seeing how easily our fencing can be jumped by the staff!
Saved from starvation by forestale and IRDA
On 29th January 2010, we rescued two donkeys that were confiscated by Corpo Forestale dello Stato della Valle d'Aosta,station of Valpelline.
Poldo and Silvia were found covered with lice and in very poor condition. Their hooves had not been trimmed and were painfully long and Silvia had problems just walking.
After the plight of the donkeys was discovered the court of Aosta confiscated them because their treatment was so bad. If the authorities had not intervened the donkeys would have died.
Found dying in a field
Shiela was dying in a field in Romania by our partner of Save the Dogs and other animals. Her belly had a deep gash made by a knife. She was most likely the innocent victim of a feud between two neighbours. Sheila was pregnant. Following a 7-hour long operation and 65 stitches, she gradually recovered. 10 months later she was well enough to give birth to Filippo without any help.
She now lives as part of a large group at Silvio's barn. She is in excellent health but doesn't like to be approached or touched by strangers.
Luca
Luca was found abandoned in Romania thanks to the collaboration with Save the Dogs. He was riddled with serious wounds and covered by parasites, but now lives with our group of geriatric donkeys. Luca has serious teeth problems because nobody had ever cared for him. His diet now consists of soft herbs dressed by carrots and apples which are chopped up by our staff in order to help him to chew.
Tied up and shut in a dark shelter
Theo lived alone for two years, tied up and shut in a dark stable. Due to his neglect and not being able to move his hooves grew far too long and caused him needless suffering. He was also covered in lice. Now Theo is complete rehabilitated, he loves being with his two friends and enjoying the sun.
A foal is born
On Tuesday 6th May 2008, a beautiful little foal was born to one of the 21 donkeys rescued from Romania with help from Save the Dogs and Other Animals. His name is Filippo.
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