a new era for equine welfare in colombia
Our new partner group, Namigni Animal Sanctuary, had a highly successful year in 2025. With your heartfelt support, they have been making great gains for working animal welfare in Colombia.
Read about their veterinary, rescue and advocacy efforts so far:
Summary
In 2025, Namigni Animal Sanctuary, in collaboration with Animal Aid Abroad (AAA), carried out a series of equine and donkey rescues and mobile veterinary clinics across Colombia.
These operations addressed urgent welfare concerns, rescued animals from neglect and slaughter, and introduced landmark veterinary oversight in equestrian events.
The year’s activities demonstrated both operational resilience and advocacy impact, strengthening welfare standards for working and recreational equines.
Rescue operations (November–December 2025)
Rescue Operation 1 – Santa Marta, Magdalena
● 5-year-old horse: Severe hepatotoxicity from repeated diclofenac misuse.
● 18-month-old mare: Extreme emaciation and malnutrition, confined in unsafe conditions.
● Inti (donkey): Stabilised by a local activist, later transferred to Refugio Animal Guadalupe.
Rescue Operation 2 – Piedecuesta, Santander
● Five foals (3–6 months old) rescued from imminent slaughter.
● Immediate nutritional protocols implemented to mitigate abrupt weaning.
● Communication established with slaughterhouse personnel for future alerts.
Impact:
● Highlighted systemic threats to donkey populations linked to the ejiao (donkey skin) trade.
● Strengthened advocacy against slaughter practices.
Mobile vet Clinics
Clinic in Sopó, November 29, 2025
● Population: 196 horses, 1 mule.
● Interventions: Welfare screening before cabalgata (horse parade) event. Exclusions enforced with police support.
● Outcomes: Landmark precedent for veterinary oversight in equestrian events; policy recognition by Sopó’s mayor.
Clinic in Tocancipá, December 11, 2025
● Population: 60 horses, 12 donkeys.
● Findings: Excellent external condition but widespread dental neglect, poor stall bedding, and injurious tack.
● Interventions: Dental care for 28 horses and 5 donkeys, welfare recommendations issued.
● Outcomes: Established collaborative relationship with facility for ongoing monitoring.
Conclusions
The 2025 operations of Namigni Animal Sanctuary and AAA in Colombia achieved:
● Rescue and rehabilitation of severely compromised equines and donkeys.
● Prevention of slaughter and systemic exploitation of foals.
● Introduction of veterinary oversight in equestrian events.
● Strengthened advocacy against the ejiao trade and neglect of working equines.
These initiatives mark a pivotal year in advancing equine welfare standards in Colombia, combining direct rescue, clinical intervention, and systemic advocacy.
Together, we are changing the fate of animals in Colombia.
