Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre

An underweight donkey with severe facial injuries has been rescued from Almoradí in a joint operation between local police and the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre.

The September 2 rescue came as Easy Horse Care co-founder Sue Weeding announced she would sell her car to help raise funds, as the non-profit foundation struggles to cover more than €4600 in veterinary bills after two horses fell seriously ill last month.

“Combined with how slow our charity shops always are in August when everyone in Spain is on holidays, our rescue centre costs are escalating and the extra money from my car will be hugely helpful to get us through this difficult time,” Sue said.

Despite the centre’s financial difficulties, Sue and her husband Rod responded immediately to Almoradí police’s call for help at lunchtime on September 2.

They found the donkey, named Paco, with deep and infected wounds behind his ears from being forced to wear a head collar that was far too tight. Paco’s nose joint and the surrounding skin are also injured.

“Almoradí has always been a bit of a stronghold for unsavoury people and it’s been a real tough nut to crack because up until now, police haven’t really been that interested in what people did there with their animals,” Sue said.

“But things seem to be changing now and officers are really on board, doing everything they can to get these animals out of these hellholes. Paco will now be safe with us here long-term.”

Paco will be stabled at Easy Horse Care until he can be castrated once the weather cools down. He will then be introduced to the centre’s other rescued donkeys.

Paco’s rescue means the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre, which relies solely on donations, is now caring for 97 horses, ponies and donkeys rescued from abuse and neglect.

That includes a pony found wandering near the Almoradí sports centre on July 25, which was also rescued in conjunction with local police. The pony was this month christened Duke, after a fundraising competition to name him.

Sue thanked generous supporters who had already donated to help cover the costs of Paco’s veterinary examination and treatment, especially long-time supporter Kate Jensen, who made a surprise €600 donation during the centre’s September 4 open day.

Further donations will be gratefully received and can be made here: www.easyhorsecare.net/donate/one-off-donation

The Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre, located just outside Rojales at Partido Lo Garriga, 59, opens to the public on the first Sunday of every month between 1pm and 4pm. A free horse tour with centre co-founder Rod Weeding begins at 2pm and refreshments are available in the café. For more details and directions, visit www.easyhorsecare.net. For regular updates, follow us on Facebook at @EasyHorseCare.