Sponsored Working Animal Rescue Program

Nowzad Donkey Sanctuary, Afghanistan

The Nowzad Donkey Sanctuary in Kabul has continued its vital work over the past year, providing refuge and rehabilitation for rescued working horses and donkeys. These animals, many of whom have endured years of arduous labour and significant suffering, require patience and care to rebuild their trust and health.

Our dedicated Afghan staff of 3 (Shah Wali, Khan Agha and Said Rahman) have remained steadfast in their commitment to these animals, even in the face of recent challenges. With the generous support of Animals Aid Abroad and their donors, we have been able to provide continuous care for seven donkeys and one horse, ensuring their well-being throughout the harsh summer months and upcoming winter.

This month we feature Shadow and Jack in our look back over 2024.

Sadly both donkeys came to us after suffering from severe joint displacements and, despite treatment and rest at the sanctuary since 2022, still struggle with pain in their limbs. Shadow is particularly lame at times, especially after lying down for long periods. He is 8 years younger than Jack but has far more advanced arthritis. However, once standing up, becomes more comfortable and the pain clearly eases after moving around.

You can read the full 2024 report from Nowzad here:

Friendicoes SECA Gurgaon Sanctuary, India

Established in 1979, Friendicoes is the oldest animal hospital and shelter in Delhi, dedicated to the welfare of animals in distress for over 45 years. This organization was founded by a group of animal lovers whose dedicated and pioneering efforts in rescuing and rehabilitating animals have made Friendicoes a household name. In 1984, a mobile equine clinic was started to assist workhorses, mules, and donkeys used at brick kilns, construction sites, and tonga stands in Delhi.

Animal Aid Abroad maintains a Sponsorship Program with Friendicoes which provides support and care for rescued horses, donkeys, and cows.

This month we feature Truffles in our look back over 2024.

Truffles just celebrated her 12th birthday with us. This young lady has done better than our expectations after the double loss of her mother and best friend, both of whom she was very close to. She hasn’t formed any more close bonds but spends healthy time with other horses in her paddock. Healthwise 2024 has been good to her. When we lost Meethi - Truffles’ best friend - to multiple attacks of colic we were worried for Truffles and the other horses in the same paddock. But health has never been any issue with Truffles who has rarely suffered any ailments. She has maintained an ideal weight and is active around her field.

You can read the full 2024 report from Friendicoes here:

Help In Suffering, India

Help In Suffering (HIS) provides free, quality, emergency, medical and surgical care for street and domesticated animals that are ill or victims of traumatic injuries, abuse, starvation and/or abandonment by their owners. HIS can proudly claim many firsts, including their Animal Birth Control (ABC) & Rabies Control Programme, which has made the city largely rabies free; and their Camel welfare work in Jaipur and Bassi (rural Jaipur) to serve sick, injured and old camels, and other animals.

This month we feature Blacky in our look back over 2024.

Introducing Blacky, a 18‐year‐old camel who narrowly escaped the fate of being slaughtered when he was rescued in December 2015 from Shahjahanpur. Notably, at the time of his rescue, he bore some black dye spots on his neck, which is how he earned his affectionate nickname. Blacky has a penchant for groundnut straws and is known for his calm and gentle nature. His rescue story is a testament to the compassion that has given him a second chance at life.

Read the full 2024 report from Help In Suffering here:

Animal Nepal

Since 2009, Animal Nepal’s Dukuchhap Animal Sanctuary has offered a safe and loving refuge to animals rescued from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Today, the sanctuary is home to a diverse group of residents: 4 donkeys, 5 horses, 4 mules, 1 hinny, 6 goats, 2 bulls, 1 cow, 2 buffaloes, 1 duck, 10 dogs, and several chickens. Each of these animals carries a powerful story of survival—each one a symbol of the millions who continue to suffer in silence. While we cannot save every animal in need, those who reach our sanctuary are given a second chance: a life free from fear, hardship, and pain.

This month we feature Honey in our look back over 2024.

Honey has been part of our sanctuary family since the very beginning of her life, and over the years, she has become one of our most lively and beloved residents. She is the daughter of our late horse Hella, who tragically passed away soon after Honey was born. From that moment, Honey was lovingly raised by Shakti, another horse in our sanctuary who had given birth around the same time. Known for her mischievous personality, she brings a sense of fun and adventure to the sanctuary. In great health and full of energy, Honey is especially known for making vaccination days a lively event—she turns it into a game, leading our team on a merry chase around the sanctuary before finally allowing her shot. Her vibrant personality and zest for life are infectious, bringing smiles to all who meet her. Honey is truly one of a kind, and we cherish every moment with our spirited, "naughty" girl!

You can read the full 2024 report from Animal Nepal here:

Blind Love, South Africa

Blindlove began in 2005 when Philippa, the founder and director, took in her first rescue horse, Victoria. Very quickly word spread and the number of rescue horses grew. Philippa became more determined than ever to not only give her horses a healthy, happy life but to also try and raise awareness of the plight of blind horses in South Africa. This was the founding inspiration for establishing a Non-profit and for the name ‘Blindlove’.

Blindlove has expanded over the years to include three more programmes these being their Community Outreach Veterinary Clinic Programme, Human Education Programme and Herd By A Horse.

This month we feature Atticus and Vuma in our look back over 2024.

Attitcus and Vuma continue to live their best life. When we first rescued Vuma he was the companion to our blind horse Blush, but when in March we took in a 3yr old blind thoroughbred, we decided it was time for Vuma to move out to our herd. He is a feisty boy, still very stallion like in his behaviour, as is Atticus, so it took some time for these 2 boys to sort things out! The 2 of them now each have their ‘ladies’ and for the most part life is peaceful, except perhaps when they see one of their girls looking at the other! They also enjoy 2 meals a day and spend their days grazing and swimming when the rains fill up their dam!

You can read the full 2024 report from Blind Love here: