New Project to Assist Abused Donkeys in Colombia

Animal Aid Abroad are planning to support two new projects in 2020. One of these will help to change the fates of mistreated donkeys in Cartagena, Colombia. Donkeys have a long history of use in Colombia. During the period of colonisation, donkeys were used to access the country’s difficult, mountainous terrain in order to populate the valleys. Today, donkeys are widely used in Cartagena to transport cargo, which predominantly consists of debris from construction sites, such as bricks, concrete structures and roof tiles. Donkeys are also used to transport metal items sold for recycling or reuse across the city. Estimates place the population of Cartagena’s donkeys at around 800.

The current lives of working donkeys in Cartagena are appallingly grim. Donkeys are given zero status or recognition, so overloading of carts and exhaustion is an everyday occurrence for them. In the streets of Cartagena, abused, sick or abandoned donkeys simply remain unnoticed. No one provides care, assistance or medical aid for these unappreciated animals, so many donkeys end up dying alone in the streets.

Here, donkeys are considered to be so lowly, they are used for abhorrent practices such as for young men to ‘practice’ sexual activity or for criminals to ‘learn’ how to stab in preparation for future crime on the streets. Along with this sickening abuse, donkeys in Colombia are also victims of the international donkey skin trade, which is used to produce the cosmetic product ejiao. Social issues in Colombia, including poverty and inequality, adds to poor donkey welfare in this country.

This new project, instigated by Animals Latin America (ALA) and funded by Animal Aid Abroad, is aiming to assist working donkeys in Cartagena by alleviating their suffering and preventing further cruelty. A clinic will be run each week treating up to 40 donkeys at a time. Donkeys will be provided with free veterinary assistance and dental care. Additionally, owners will be educated on proper donkey care and welfare, with the intention of preventing further cruelty.

The team will include a local charity called Fundación Rescate para Animales Desamparados (FRAD), which is usually involved in rescuing stray animals and providing relief for working equines. As part of our new project, FRAD will provide education for owners, along with information on local legislation. Four local police officers will be present to maintain security for the whole team, as well as providing support for educational efforts to prevent cruelty. A social worker will also be involved, specifically to encourage donkey owners to attend activities associated with this project and to promote its benefits for both animals and people. The plan is to run this project in an area of the city where donkey owners usually gather to work.

It is thanks to our supporters and donors that Animal Aid Abroad are able to fund this critical project and make a positive difference for the abused donkeys of Cartagena.