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Three new equines rescued as sanctuary recovers from Christmas flooding


A donkey cruelly hobbled and left to stand alone without shelter throughout last month’s torrential rainfall is now safe from harm thanks to the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre. The Rojales sanctuary rescued the donkey, named Dulce Dawn, on Boxing Day in a joint operation with San Javier police, even as the centre itself battled major flooding caused by a week of wet and wild weather.


“This case went far beyond normal hobbling,” said Easy Horse Care co-founder Sue Weeding, who added the donkey is possibly in foal.


“While a lot of Spanish farmers


do tether their


horses in fields with rope, they don’t normally hobble


them and certainly not like this. It was horrendous and barbaric and we suspect it was not even legal.”


Just one day later, on 27th December, Sue and her husband Rod Weeding were again called out by San Javier police to rescue another two ponies found wandering a road in the same area.


Veterinary inspections later revealed the stallion, believed to be about 14 years old, has one deformed hoof, while the mare, about 7 years old, is malnourished and could be in foal – ultrasound tests conducted at the time were inconclusive, Sue said.


“It’s looking probable that she is in foal but it’s difficult sometimes to get an accurate read with the mobile ultrasound. The other possibility is that she has a load of worms, which is why her belly is so big and she looks quite poorly. Our equine veterinarian will do another ultrasound to confirm the situation,” Sue said.


The three rescues came as the Weedings battled thick mud and used electric pumps to expel water from their fields and stables, inundated in the recent flooding.


Calling all charities - let us know about your forthcoming events and animals for adoption. See page 4 for contact details.


Good Advertising Doesn’t Cost


- It Sells!


Call Michelle on 663 178 228 or email michelle@qffocus.com


But she said the couple were buoyed by a show of support, with many kind locals generously donating to help cover the unexpected cost of replacement hay. Just €5 buys one entire hay bale, but many people donated much more, Sue said.


As they attempt to get back on their feet, the Weedings are


of good-quality furniture items to sell in their network of six charity stores.


The Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre relies entirely on donations to fund its animal welfare work, including the feeding and care of the centre’s 102 horses, ponies and donkeys rescued from abuse, neglect and abandonment. Monetary donations are sgratefully welcomed and can be made securely online at www.easyhorsecare.net/donate/one-off-donation.


Located just outside Rojales at Partido Lo Garriga, 59, the centre opens to the public on the first Sunday of every month between 1pm and 4pm. Free horse tours run throughout the afternoon and refreshments are available in the café. For more details and directions, please visit www.easyhorsecare.net.


K9 Club.


friendly and affectionate girl is in need of some quality TLC and a comfortable home. Sally walks well on a lead and is good with people. If you are able to offer Sally a forever home, please call Alan and Bev at the K9 Animal Shelter on 600 845 420.


Pets in Spain.


and content to be near all people including children. Sunny has been used to living outside in a farmhouse courtyard with another dog but will very soon adapt to sleeping at night in a house with a new owner. She is vaccinated, sterilised and has a microchip. Call: 645 469 253. To advertise an animal for adoption email: info@petsinspain.com. More animals for adoption on www.petsinspain.com.


Sunny is 7 months old and is happy


Sally (Fox Terrier Cross). You may recall that Sally was rehomed recently. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, Sally is again back at the K9 Animal Shelter and available for adoption. This quiet,


calling for donations


The couple also discovered the wild weather had damaged a huge load of expensive forage they’d bought in from northern Spain to feed their horses over the winter.


“Our hay shelter is simply too small now that we have 102 rescued equines, and though we did cover the forage up, it obviously got wet and started to go mouldy. Most of it couldn’t be salvaged, which was an absolute shame,” Sue said.


QF Focus Magazine


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