Our Blog - Ways to help animals

 
 
 
Welcome to our blog which will will have all sorts of news, stories, appeals and more!   

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  1. International co-operation really helps animals

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    The world is a far smaller place than it used to be, so the saying goes.   And one of the developments that’s really striking in the world of animal welfare is that of charities working across borders.

    I was catching up with some reading the other day and had my nose in the Donkey Sanctuary’s excellent newsletter.

    Visit the Donkey Sanctuary's website


    And one of the things the newsletter highlighted was donkey owners becoming welfare champions in South Africa.

    The Donkey Sanctuary collaborates with a network of partners across Africa.   This is really important because they are working to change mindsets there and win the hearts of people.  They are not giving a hand-out, but a vital hand-up as a way forward for better animal welfare.

    This comes through initiating steps such as animal welfare education for children, veterinary training for adults, harness-making workshops and tackling the crisis of donkeys being poached for the skin trade.

    There’s an increasing demand for ejiao, a traditional Chinese remedy made using the gelatin found in donkey hides. The Donkey Sanctuary’s partner conducted 55 skin trade investigations which led to 9 court cases and saved 50 donkeys from slaughter.  They also intercepted a stolen herd of donkeys near Lesotho, and two of those saved – Gypsy & Hippie – are now doing well in a new home!

    Last year, the Donkey Sanctuary’s funding of the National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) in South Africa improved the lives of 1,400 donkeys and upskilled nearly 700 donkey owners and handlers. 

    Education is so important and can really make a difference. Skills and knowledge can be passed on and down through generations, and have a lasting impact on animal welfare.

    You can find out more and support the Donkey Sanctuary’s efforts by donating through their website. 

    Find out about volunteering here

    You can see their webcams here

     

  2. 2,500 people took action and will make a difference to orangutans

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    Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. 

    Margaret Mead


    It really is amazing what people can do when a small number of them contribute.

    I’m thrilled to be able to tell you (if you didn’t know already) that the incredible appeal by the Sumatran Orangutan Society (SOS) for £870,000 to save 890 acres for orangutans was successful.    

    The Indonesian palm oil plantation was up for sale and SOS had an opportunity to buy the land and restore the forest.  But SOS needed donations – fast.

    2,500 people joined in and over the course of several months, they contributed the required amount to save the forest for orangutans.

    The land will be returned to the forest and the wildlife to whom it belonged. SOS will be restoring the site to its former glory. Working with its local partner, Yayasan Orangutan Sumatera Lestari, the oil palms will be removed and the forest replanted to encourage orangutans and other wildlife to come back.  Critically, this will extend their habitat from the neighbouring national park so it will be a natural extension for the animals.


    Footage captured by camera traps in a rainforest restoration site in the Leuser Ecosystem, Sumatra, managed by the Orangutan Information Centre and Sumatran Orangutan Society

    Needless to say, millions of other animals will benefit as well, all thanks to the contributions of 2,500 people. 

    Some people donated £5, others donated quite a bit more, but that’s neither here nor there.

    The key thing is that people joined in and they donated and as a result, they will make a considerable difference to the orangutans and other animals. They took action and succeeded together.

    They took action and together, they succeeded in saving the acreage for these wonderful creatures.

    Well done to everyone involved and a huge thanks to everyone who contributed.  We did it!!!  

    Orangutans, enjoy! 

     

  3. Please help horses by signing this petition

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    Please help horses by signing this petition
    Please help horses by signing this petition

    World Horse Welfare needs your help with a petition to help horses.

    Around 26,000 horses are transported needlessly across Europe to slaughter every year.  They travel thousands of miles, with little chance to rest, eat or drink during journeys which can last for days on end.  And they arrive at their destination severely hydrated, stressed, totally drained of energy, in pain and broken in spirit.

    World Horse Welfare is calling on the European Commission to change the law and impose a maximum journey limit of no more than 12 hours. 

    Already the numbers being transported from 165,000 in 2001 to about 26,000 today. 

    There are just 3 days left to bring the UK’s pressure to bear on the European Commission as it works to put a stop to the long distance transport of horses across to slaughter by 2027.

    Please sign here.