Urgent appeal by local Murcia charity as fly swarms threaten rescued donkeys

Andrea’s Animal Rescue, an animal welfare charity based in the Mazarron area, has issued an urgent appeal to the local community as summer temperatures spike. The sanctuary is desperately seeking donations to purchase protective masks for their herd of rescued donkeys, who are currently suffering from severe seasonal irritation from abundant flies in the area.

Seasonal insect surge puts rescued herd at risk

As the summer heat intensifies across the Region of Murcia, the local insect population has skyrocketed, making life incredibly uncomfortable for the sanctuary’s four-legged friends. 

Beyond causing constant irritation and high levels of stress for the gentle animals at the shelter, the persistent insects also pose a medical risk; If left unprotected, the continuous swarming and biting can quickly lead to painful, serious infections that may require costly veterinary intervention. Since the charity runs solely on donations, the financial burden can be too large to care for their herd of 104 rescued donkeys.

How a small donation can help protect the animals

Andrea’s Animal Rescue is asking anyone who is able to help to consider making a small contribution to help them protect the animals. Local supporters can help by going in person to donate, volunteering, or donating through the charity’s website at andreasanimalrescue.com. There, site visitors can donate any amount they wish, from €1, to around €4 for a bale of hay, or they can sponsor a donkey for €10 a month.

Andrea’s Animal Rescue: A long history of caring for abandoned equines

The charity is a vital pillar for injured and abandoned animals. Beginning in August of 2008, Andrea’s Animal Rescue was founded primarily to care for abused donkeys. During that time, Henrietta, a female donkey who had several tumours, was rescued by the kindhearted volunteers at the charity. Henrietta was only the second donkey to arrive at the shelter, with another gentle animal, Lola, being the first.

Since then, the charity has grown into a thriving part of the community, with more than 100 donkeys and other animals under their care, being taken care of and treated properly by true animal lovers. The charity’s website is constantly giving updates on their latest rescues, the animals sponsored by donors, and information on upcoming drives, collections, and ways to help.

With a deep love for these equine friends, Andrea’s Animal Rescue has become an important part of the network of charities in Murcia, and with each passing day, continues to help these animals in need, one donkey at a time.