08/06/2023
OUR NEW STRATEGY FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS
We have been reviewing our core activities to ensure we reach more donkeys and mules in need in the most effective and impactful way.
The ‘Sanctuary’ model in Spain can only help a very limited numbers of donkeys and is unfortunately not solving the root cause of the issues donkeys face within the community. To do this, we need to refocus our effort on improving donkey welfare in the wider community, relieving the problems associated with mistreatment and abandonment. Therefore we consider that the most impactful way to focus our energy is in improving legislation, raising awareness of the plight of donkeys and their status as sentient animals, training equine specialist as vets and farriers in best donkey practices and advocating for better to local administration where resources and knowledge exist to take care of stray/abandoned equines, so they don’t depend on the resources of non-profit organizations.
In parallel to this, we want to be able to guarantee the highest possible standards of welfare for the 205 resident donkeys living on our own sanctuaries and the 115 donkeys in Guardian homes in Spain.
To be able to expand in these areas, we have made the difficult decision to close our Fuente de Piedra Sanctuary to visitors and will also be unable to accept any new rescued/relinquished donkeys into the sanctuary. These decisions have not been made easily but are unfortunately necessary in order for the charity to pursue a more sustainable approach to improving the welfare of more donkeys in Spain.
Over the next 5 years, we'll be putting the donkey's perspective at the forefront as we continue to improve their lives every day. We hope you continue on our side for the years to come.
More info about our five years strategy in this link:
https://www.elrefugiodelburrito.com/en/article/our-organisational-strategy-2023-2027
