‘Starving, stranded and helpless’: equines in desperate need of help
Equine charities are urging supporters to help “starving, stranded and helpless” horses and donkeys in Italy.
Multiple earthquakes and disastrous weather conditions have left many of these animals without food, water or shelter – isolated in the deep snow, trapped in sub-zero temperatures and struggling to survive.
World Horse Welfare has teamed up with the Donkey Sanctuary to help the horses, donkeys and other animals suffering in the conditions.
The charities have already sent immediate food supplies to help the most desperate need — 13,000kg of hay and straw arrived at an emergency centre yesterday (6 February)— but “much more must be done”, according to a World Horse Welfare spokesman.
“We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone who has donated to help stranded equines in Italy,” said a World Horse Welfare spokesman.
“A vital delivery of hay and straw arrived at the rescue base this morning and a stock of hard feed will be arriving this afternoon.
“We have heard reports that heavy rain is forecast which will most likely fall as snow in the mountainous areas so it is unlikely that the situation will be improving any time soon.
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“This is only the start of the rescue effort and with your support we will do everything we can to reach these poor stranded horses and donkeys.”
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A spokesman for the Donkey Sanctuary added: “These donkeys need your help now. This is an emergency situation with no end in sight.
“Please give today so there will be food, shelter and safety when desperate donkeys need it most.”
To support the appeal click here
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Rachael joined Horse & Hound in 2014, initially as a digital sub editor then became part of the news team as a writer in 2015. The philosophy graduate studied journalism at the Press Association before working as a local reporter at the Brentwood Gazette. Rachael is now a mum of two and still loves all things equestrian, including hacking, dressage and jumping with her cob Bert. Rachael left the H&H staff to go freelance in June 2019, but still contributes to our magazine and website, as well as our sister magazine Country Life, among others.