Easy horse Care Rescue Centre is the only one of its kind in the Costa Blanca that works entirely to home, help save and heal any and all abandoned and abused equines, including ponies and donkeys rescued in collaboration with the police.

Funded entirely from donations, fundraising, open days and its charity shops, the severe and extended lockdown in Spain has put unprecedented pressure on all of its resources as it has had to rely on donations only as all other means of income were severed.

Due to the financial pressures of Lockdown many more equines have been abandoned or found wandering on roads and lanes, which is in itself a hazard for not only them but for drivers.

The rescue centre was called out by the police on three separate occasions this month to rescue a horse a donkey and a pony. All found wandering on the roads.

The only place for these equines to go to save them is EHCRC, founded by Sue and Rod Weeding. They work very closely with all the police forces, who find or are alerted to these cases, and then Rod goes to pick them up, often at night or early morning.

The centre already has over 120 animals and is stretched to capacity, but Sue and Rod never refuse an animal that needs help and will cleverly rearrange and adjust things to accommodate a new one. Often there are complex and difficult issues regarding abandoned animals, requiring time and negotiations which Sue and Rod have to deal with as well. Very few of these equines can be re-homed as most do not actually belong to the centre but are a “case number” and therefore not eligible for rehoming.

The latest rescue a donkey to arrive at the centre came with a myriad of problems. Malnutrition, worms, neglected hooves creating problems for him to walk, painful infection due to untreated wounds and he is entire, meaning he will need castrating as soon as possible in order that he can be put with other equines. One of the most important things for all stray animals, be they equine, cats, dogs, is to prevent further breeding so that the problem of abandoned animals is not increased, but this is something that owners do not often understand so they don’t have a castration or sterilization done, and of course, it costs money.

People constantly ask the question: “How much does it all cost?”, so please see the following:

– Each horse, pony or donkey costs and an average of €40 per week for food and water.
– The farrier for trimming and specialist shooing is €375 per week.
– The vet for examinations, treatments and operations average is €200 per week.
– The average on dental work for the equines is €58 per week.
– Medications and necessary items from the pharmacy are €50 per week.
– Rescue centre maintenance and repairs averages €100 per week.
– Worming costs €1600 per year so that is €30 per week

In total, just to care for the equines, it costs €5,613 per week.

This does not include feeding and caring for rescued dogs, cats, pigs, chickens, peacocks or any staff, vehicles and accountancy costs.

Sue Weeding said: “It’s a crucial time for us, despite the reopening of our shops from July 1″ (with collection of good quality furniture already started to restock the shops).

– Written by Jemma Paish.