Help Us Rescue Working Animals in Desperate Need

Working animals are often the forgotten animals. Following a lifetime of hard labour, neglect, injuries and pain, rather than being honoured for their work, they are frequently abandoned by their owners. Discarded by the sides of roads, in forests or in car parks, these gentle animals face starvation, attacks from predators or accidents with vehicles. Sadly, some animals are even sold to slaughterhouses once they are no longer considered ‘useful’.

This is where you come in. Thanks to your compassionate donations through GlobalGiving, Animal Aid Abroad’s (AAA) partner groups around the globe are rescuing as many discarded working animals as possible. Saved from a dire fate, the animals are taken to our partner sanctuaries to receive the proper care, veterinary treatment, rest, safety and love they always deserved.

Here are just a few of the animals you helped rescue last month:

AAA’s partner group in India, Friendicoes, rescued a donkey who had been abandoned in Gurgaon, New Delhi. This vulnerable donkey was taken to Friendicoes’ shelter where she will experience true peace and healing - possibly for the first time in her life. 

Our newest partner group, Namigni Animal Sanctuary in Colombia, rescued a draft horse called Enzo. Enzo is only 18 months old but has a permanent limb deformity, so was unable to be worked on a farm. He was orphaned shortly after birth but has now formed a bond with another rescued horse called Hada. The bond between them is extraordinary - she’s adopted him, and he never leaves her side at the sanctuary.

Our partner group in Zambia - the Zambezi Working Donkey Project (ZWDP) - rescued an abandoned donkey called Lucky. The team rescued her from the side of a road after she had been hit by a vehicle. Following treatment for a traumatic pelvic fracture, she has now fully healed. Lucky has joined the main herd at ZWDP’s sanctuary and is having the time of her life. She is now free from pain and can move about with ease. 

In Israel, our partner sanctuary run by Starting Over rescued a donkey who arrived malnourished and scared of people. She has entered their intensive care compound for physical and mental rehabilitation. This donkey arrived at the sanctuary accompanied by a friend, who has thankfully been able to stay by her side.

Rescuing former working animals has a profound impact on the remainder of their lives. Recently, two rescued donkeys at our partner sanctuary run by Help in Suffering in India gave birth to two gorgeous foals. They were named Shakti and Devi. These lucky foals and their mothers will live permanently in safety and comfort at the shelter. 

We cannot thank you enough for having a heart for working animals and for choosing not to forget these brave souls. With your loyal support and generous donations, our partner groups can continue to save working animals who are abandoned and left to suffer in shocking circumstances. Together, we are giving these vulnerable animals a chance to start over and live out the rest of their lives experiencing only respect, love and tender care. 

With help from your compassionate donations through GlobalGiving, one of Animal Aid Abroad’s partner groups in India – the Visakha Society for Protection and Care of Animals (VSPCA) – have been caring for 62 rescued working animals. VSPCA’s mission is to protect and rehabilitate large working animals.

Thanks to your incredible kindness and support, these animals’ lives are now filled with peace, safety and dignity. They no longer have to endure arduous work, heavy loads, wounds and injuries, malnutrition or mistreatment.

Your donations are helping the VSPCA to care for the following animals:

• 50 buffaloes and three horses at Kindness Farm in Koravada
• Eight buffaloes and one horse at their second shelter in Marikavalasa

The eight rescued buffaloes at VSPCA’s smaller shelter have adapted beautifully to their safe, quiet environment. They are showing improved appetite, mobility and emotional stability. The single horse in this shelter has made noticeable progress too; he has responded well to structured feeding and gentle handling.

At Kindness Farm, all 50 buffaloes are thriving and enjoying the lush pastures. Daily grazing, enrichment and quality nutrition have led to visible improvements in their coat health, strength and social behaviour. The three rescued horses in this shelter are also gradually recovering from their traumatic pasts. They now enjoy clean stables, companionship, and individual care routines that promote both physical and emotional healing.

Every rescued animal receives a nutritious and balanced diet. Staff also provide enrichment activities like brushing, shaded rest time and gentle walks for the horses. The animals receive monthly veterinary check-ups, along with regular vaccinations, deworming and hoof trimming.

Rescue Highlight: A Horse’s Journey to Healing 

Among the three horses at Kindness Farm is a mare who was in an extremely poor condition when she was rescued. Malnourished, overworked and fearful, she resisted contact and refused food at first.

With time and consistent kindness from her caregivers, she has started eating regularly, responding to grooming and is even playfully interacting with team members. Her transformation is ongoing, but her spirit is undeniably returning — a living testament to the healing your support makes possible.

Thank you so much again for your wonderful support through GlobalGiving. With your donations, our partner groups like the VSPCA can continue to rescue and properly care for former working animals. Together, we are creating a world where these animals are no longer neglected or abandoned, but are cherished, respected and loved.