Report a welfare concern

Information for cases of abuse

Many holiday makers and visitors, who are travelling to European countries, contact Il Rifugio degli Asinelli regarding donkeys that they have seen which may be in difficulty, injured or appear to be in poor condition. Although we have no legal authority, we are able to investigate and assist donkeys by providing advice and medical help if the owner accepts our offer. 

We often collaborate with other animal welfare organisations, allowing us to help donkeys in different parts of Italy. As a direct consequence of members of the public getting in touch, we have been able to improve the lives of many donkeys and mules.

If you think a donkey needs help, call us on +39 015 255 1831 or contact us via email. Do not use Facebook or other social channels to report a welfare concern.

Checklist

Take a note of what you’ve seen, using the checklist below. You will be asked to give a detailed description of what you have seen or heard, so be ready to give the following information:

1. Your own name, address and telephone number for our records. We treat all information in strictest confidence, but we may need to contact you regarding your report or to let you know the result of any investigation
2. The date, time and place of the where the animals are. The more exact the details of the location the easier it will be for our staff and the quicker we can attend
3. Detailed description of your concern. For example - how many animals are there? How old do you think they are? What are the main problems you have observed?
4. The names and addresses of any other people who might be able to provide useful information on the animals you have seen
5. Any other specific information that you think might be helpful to us. For example, the registration number and description of any vehicle involved or whether there are any specific times when you have seen people with the animals.

Any photographs showing the animals and their surroundings are always useful if these can be taken safely with absolutely no risk to you, other people or the animals involved. 

If you are concerned about the welfare of any donkey, please contact us immediately by phone or email. Our staff will contact you as soon as we are able to discuss your concerns and let you know what we propose to do. We will also agree on how and when we will reply to you with information on our investigation if you would like to be kept informed.

If you wish to continue independently of us, you can contact the competent authorities:

• The Mayor of the Municipality where the animals are located

• The Local Police of the Municipality where the animals are located

• The veterinarians of the local health authority responsible for the area

• The Forestry, Environmental and Agri-Food Unit Command of the Carabinieri

• The Forestry Corps of the Autonomous Provinces of Trento and Bolzano and the Forestry Corps of the Special Statute Regions (Valle d’Aosta, Sicily, Sardinia, Friuli Venezia Giulia).

If you deem it necessary, you can also make a written complaint by entering your details, complete with address, in a letter in which you explain the points listed above. Also include the names of any witnesses.

The complaint must be filed with any judicial police body or with the General Secretariat of the Public Prosecutor at the Court of jurisdiction in the place where the mistreatment occurs. The complaint must be signed in the presence of a public official.

Please note: The sanctuary never buys animals and sharing posts on social media does not equate to a report or complaint.

In case of an emergency

• In some regions, a veterinarian is always available through the emergency number 112. You will be asked to leave your details and they will contact you promptly
• Any judicial authority must act in the immediacy of the fact
• If you are not able to contact competent authorities, please call us on +39 015 255 1831 or contact us by email and we will try to resolve the situation.