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Equines rescued from starvation in Italy
Image: The Donkey Sanctuary
Group of 100 equines left without food or shelter

Welfare charity The Donkey Sanctuary has expressed outrage after a group of 100 equines, including many foals, was found starving in Italy. The animals belonged to an equine trader, who had left them without food or shelter in Colleferro, forty miles from Rome. The fields in which they were found contained the bodies and bones of countless horses and donkeys that had already starved to death.

The Donkey Sanctuary has confirmed it has rescued 15 donkeys, 9 mules and a hinny from the site, after the situation was reported to the authorities. All 15 of the donkeys are severely underweight, and many have painfully overgrown hooves. The Italian authorities are beginning legal proceedings against the owner and have reportedly asked The Donkey Sanctuary to care for the animals.

The charity have confirmed they are in the process of organising emergency shelter and veterinary care. They are also working in collaboration with the Italian Horse Protection Association to arrange care for the rescued horses. The Donkey Sanctuary operates an Italian sanctuary, Il Rifugio degli Asinelli, which is based near Turin. Once the prosecution case is complete, this sanctuary will become the permanent home of the group of rescued donkeys, mules and hinny.

Andrew Judge, manager of European operations at The Donkey Sanctuary reported from the scene: "Too many times on this trip I have been shocked with the cruelty we faced.

"Today I saw a large number of dead equines spread out on the land and buildings in front of me. It was shocking to think that these beautiful animals had just starved to death and been left where they fell for scavengers to eat them.

"I felt ashamed to be human today and angry at the indifferent people who see these problems every day but do nothing."

The donkey population in Italy is estimated to be 24,000. They are used largely for producing milk and meat, and as transport for rural families and tourists.

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.