Post by chapsi on Mar 13, 2008 14:06:57 GMT 1
Donkey Shelter: Our Mission
In the Portuguese traditional rural economy, of small scale agriculture, with low levels of production and small enclosed properties, farming communities have been dependent on the use of the donkey for their livelihood. These animals used to be the main method of transport, in various agricultural tasks and general beast of burden, as well as being used for the breeding of mules.
However, the growing mechanisation of agriculture and the development of modern methods of transportation deprived the donkeys of their traditional role. Seen as second rate in comparison to the horse, these animals have been ignored by protection policies and these days they are facing extinction.
The Saloia region (name given to a part of the Western area of Portugal) is renowned for its unique features. The donkey carrying sacks of flour for the miller or transporting the farmer’s wife and her fresh produce on her way to the market was once a common sight in the tradition of this region, part of its imaginary.
In fact, the donkey is one of the most indisputable symbols of the Saloia region, although often ignored, and now almost forgotten. Since the times when every single farming family used to possess its donkey, now they are only a distant memory of the past, on the verge of becoming extinct.
The Association for the Preservation of the Donkey - ‘Burricadas’ is non-governmental organisation, created in March 2007, working to preserve this local donkey and its traditional uses, with particular reference to the above mentioned region. Its headquarters are located in the county of Mafra, where the Donkey Shelter ‘Abrigo do Jumento’ also can be found.
The Donkey Shelter’s main aim is to become a rescue centre for some old, abandoned and ill-treated animals, in need of a well-deserved retirement after a long hard working life.
In order to finance the running of the shelter, namely paying for the animal’s feed and veterinary help, Burricadas runs an adoption scheme, whereby any person interested in supporting the project, but unable to keep one of these animals, may symbolically adopt one of our donkeys for a year, therefore engaging in the work of the association, ensuring their welfare.
Aiming to promote the activities of the association, as well as raising awareness for the donkey, Burricadas plans a whole series of activities throughout the region, like donkey and carriage trips along the old country paths. In the foreseeable future, we are aiming to develop an intervention work in the area of therapy for the disabled using the donkeys, so that these animals will fulfil the noble task to support the rehabilitation of children and people with special needs.
Just to give you idea of our current struggles, please check some of the threads already running in the Enlightened Equitation website, where so far, we have been raising most of our support...
www.enlightenedequitation.com/ee/boards/index.php?topic=26325.0
or
www.enlightenedequitation.com/ee/boards/index.php?topic=26771.0
www.enlightenedequitation.com/ee/boards/index.php?board=50.0
International Donkey Adoptions are £20 / 30€.
Any Donations are also very welcome.
These can be paid into our PayPal account, as follows:
burricadas@sapo.pt
We would also be grateful for any used but in good condition tack, namely leadropes, headcollars (Pony/Cob sizes), saddlecloths, lightweight turnout rugs (Pony sizes). We are also in need de-wormers and diet supplements (multi-vitamins, respiratory supplements and joints supplements)
Many Thanks!
Association for the Preservation of the Donkey - Burricadas
and Donkey Shelter - Abrigo do Jumento
Tm. +351.965462296 / +351.919856024
burricadas@sapo.pt
www.burricadas.org (still under construction!)
