Visitors to the donkey sanctuary cannot fail to be impressed by the wonderful facilities at the centre, and the obvious care that is given to the animals. Many of them are rescued from terrible conditions in both Spain and the rest of Europe, and cases of neglect and cruelty are also investigated.
El Refugio is a registered Spanish Association, primarily concerned with the welfare of donkeys and mules, and is also known to lobby for improved legislation for these animals throughout Europe. It is also a subsidiary of the Donkey Sanctuary in southern England.
The ever growing family of donkeys are fed, treated and provided with refuge, and the centre depends entirely on donations. Although entrance to the sanctuary is free, the majority of visitors leave donations to support the upkeep and care of the animals.
As animal lovers, a visit will be particularly humbling and the rescue stories of how the donkeys came to be at El Refugio are touching. The founders and workers at the sanctuary are also committed to stop donkeys and mules being mistreated and sold at market, and also details efforts to help improve the welfare of animals involved in the donkey taxi business.
Villanueva de la Vera
Another main campaign is to stop the cruelty and distress to donkeys at the annual Villanueva de la Vera Festival. The festival of Pero Palo takes place in Villanueva de la Vera (Cáceres- Extremadura-Spain) every Shrove Tuesday. In this popular festival a poor and helpless donkey is taken through the streets of the village to be ridden by the drunkest rider and to be subjected to degrading and cruel treatment for more than an hour. The parliament of Junta de Extremadura passed a law (Ley 5/2002) for the Protection of Animals in the region of Extremadura which forbids the utilisation of animals in festivals and public shows when the animal receives cruel mistreatment.
El Refugio del Burrito and The Donkey Sanctuary have witnessed this festival since 1986. We thought that the passing of that law meant the end of the torture the donkey receives, but reality has proved that nothing has changed. Over 3,500 letters have been sent to the sanctuary to outlaw this cruel event.
Adopt a Donkey
Visitors to the sanctuary can adopt one of eight donkeys for as little as €10 a year, and will receive a certificate and photo of the animal, plus regular updates on their future progress. This money goes towards the care and upkeep of the donkeys, and helps them recover from their years of negligence they have usually endured. The adoption package is also explained on the website, and can be paid for online. A gift shop is also situated on site, where the kids can take buy some souvenirs to take home.
Contact Details:- El Refugio del Burrito, Apartado 25, 29520, Fuente de Piedra (Malaga). Tel: (English speaking): 0034 952 735513. (Spanish speaking): 0034 952 735077. Website: www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk E-mail: info@elrefugiodelburrito.com
Directions:-From Malaga take the road to Antequera. Follow the signs for Seville, taking the A-92 motorway. Take the junction marked 132 to Fuente de Piedra and head into the village, turning left next to the Hotel Fuente de Piedra. Follow the track and take the second turn on the left after passing a large house on your right. The sanctuary is situated at the end of this track.