Freddy
Rescued: May 30, 2012

Freddy was rescued along with a horse named Billy, both of whom were unfortunate victims of a lack of education.

An English couple, who had never before owned equines in their life, decided to move to Spain – and, just before they left, they purchased an ex-racehorse and an albino donkey to bring over with them.

Along with their new pets, this couple moved to the hot and dry Ayora Valley, about 1.5 hours north of us. Worryingly, they didn’t have a clue how to care for Freddy or Billy and both deteriorated very quickly.

We received a report from a neighbour about a skeletal donkey and horse, and contacted the owners, saying we would be reporting the matter to police. Thankfully, they immediately agreed to hand both animals over to us

Billy, aged about 17 at the time of rescue, recovered quickly and was rehomed to a Belgian woman named Karen. He passed away in 2015.

Freddy, aged about 7 when rescued, has remained here with us at the rescue. We have repeatedly tried to find a home for him in the UK because, as an albino, he is highly unsuited to Spain’s very hot conditions. He really never should have been brought so far south.

That said, he does cope surprisingly well in the sun. He now lives in our donkey field, a very happy donkey with his best friend Manolo the mule. The two hang around together all day, like peas in a pod.