Buttons the Donkey Saved from Slaughter...
Buttons on arrival
Saved from Slaughter
Confused and grieving, separated from his bonded companion to be sold at a market in the United Kingdom, Buttons’ fate was uncertain. Thankfully, the little donkey was saved by UK-based charity, The Flicka Foundation, which rescues donkeys from situations of abuse, neglect and abandonment and offers them a safe home for life at its sanctuary in the South West of England.
A small team from the charity jumped into action to rescue Buttons and transport him to safety after hearing of his sorrowful predicament. Having been bought and sold through multiple live animal markets at the hands of equine dealers, he was in a desperately sad situation; recently separated from his bonded companion, denied proper veterinary care and kept alone in squalid conditions in an old broken-down trailer on a scrap yard.
If The Flicka Foundation hadn’t stepped in to offer him a home, it is likely he would have been destined for the continent and certain death for the donkey meat trade; a shocking, but profitable business, which is commonplace in many parts of the world. Unsurprisingly, Buttons was in a poor state of health on arrival. Undernourished due to a heavy parasite burden, requiring urgent attention from a farrier and medication to treat a nasty infection, equine experts at the charity say his health issues are a clear sign of the neglect he has suffered.
Confused and grieving, separated from his bonded companion to be sold at a market in the United Kingdom, Buttons’ fate was uncertain. Thankfully, the little donkey was saved by UK-based charity, The Flicka Foundation, which rescues donkeys from situations of abuse, neglect and abandonment and offers them a safe home for life at its sanctuary in the South West of England.
A small team from the charity jumped into action to rescue Buttons and transport him to safety after hearing of his sorrowful predicament. Having been bought and sold through multiple live animal markets at the hands of equine dealers, he was in a desperately sad situation; recently separated from his bonded companion, denied proper veterinary care and kept alone in squalid conditions in an old broken-down trailer on a scrap yard.
If The Flicka Foundation hadn’t stepped in to offer him a home, it is likely he would have been destined for the continent and certain death for the donkey meat trade; a shocking, but profitable business, which is commonplace in many parts of the world. Unsurprisingly, Buttons was in a poor state of health on arrival. Undernourished due to a heavy parasite burden, requiring urgent attention from a farrier and medication to treat a nasty infection, equine experts at the charity say his health issues are a clear sign of the neglect he has suffered.
Sad Suffering Worldwide
Flicka Foundation Director Judy Giles said “We can only imagine the trauma poor Buttons has endured. Knowing we saved him in time is such a relief, but his story serves as a stark reminder of the abhorrent cruelty that so many millions of donkeys suffer. Donkeys are intelligent, sensitive animals, but their hardy and stoical traits mean they are exploited and abused worldwide.”
She went on to say: “Many of our donkeys have been rescued from the horror of live animal markets here in the UK or in Europe. Sick or elderly donkeys that are no longer fit for work are bought by dealers and often transported thousands of miles across countries in filthy, cramped lorries. Those that make the harrowing journey enter the meat markets, only to be sold and shipped on once again to an ultimate tragic end for corporate dinner plates.
Flicka Foundation Director Judy Giles said “We can only imagine the trauma poor Buttons has endured. Knowing we saved him in time is such a relief, but his story serves as a stark reminder of the abhorrent cruelty that so many millions of donkeys suffer. Donkeys are intelligent, sensitive animals, but their hardy and stoical traits mean they are exploited and abused worldwide.”
She went on to say: “Many of our donkeys have been rescued from the horror of live animal markets here in the UK or in Europe. Sick or elderly donkeys that are no longer fit for work are bought by dealers and often transported thousands of miles across countries in filthy, cramped lorries. Those that make the harrowing journey enter the meat markets, only to be sold and shipped on once again to an ultimate tragic end for corporate dinner plates.
Legislation is Failing Donkeys
Specific legislation concerning the handling of equines (the Horse Passport regulations 2009) states that all donkeys in the UK and Europe require a registered passport, but it quickly became apparent that Buttons’ documentation had been forged and he was being kept and sold illegally. While there are laws in place designed to protect donkeys like Buttons, the charity says that they are ineffective and simply not enforced with enough regularity. The organisation is often called upon to assist in serious welfare cases and say they have witnessed sick animals for sale at markets, as well as very young foals. Intensive breeding for maximum profit in the trade is not uncommon - dealers routinely force jennies to have foals year-on-year; each one stolen from her long before natural weaning.
Specific legislation concerning the handling of equines (the Horse Passport regulations 2009) states that all donkeys in the UK and Europe require a registered passport, but it quickly became apparent that Buttons’ documentation had been forged and he was being kept and sold illegally. While there are laws in place designed to protect donkeys like Buttons, the charity says that they are ineffective and simply not enforced with enough regularity. The organisation is often called upon to assist in serious welfare cases and say they have witnessed sick animals for sale at markets, as well as very young foals. Intensive breeding for maximum profit in the trade is not uncommon - dealers routinely force jennies to have foals year-on-year; each one stolen from her long before natural weaning.
Buttons meets Walter!
A Bright Future for Buttons
Buttons will have a home for life at The Flicka Foundation, joining it’s other lucky donkey residents in peaceful retirement, with his specialised needs catered for by an experienced team. The sanctuary is home to over 100 donkeys and horses and many more live in luxury in carefully selected “5 Star” foster homes. For the first time in his life, Buttons will have the freedom to spend his days exactly as he pleases - grazing in a choice of paddocks, playing with new-found friends, relaxing in the sunshine or staying warm in one of the sanctuary’s purpose built, cosy donkey barns. He has already been introduced to Walter, who was rescued from a very similar situation and they are getting along famously!
Buttons will have a home for life at The Flicka Foundation, joining it’s other lucky donkey residents in peaceful retirement, with his specialised needs catered for by an experienced team. The sanctuary is home to over 100 donkeys and horses and many more live in luxury in carefully selected “5 Star” foster homes. For the first time in his life, Buttons will have the freedom to spend his days exactly as he pleases - grazing in a choice of paddocks, playing with new-found friends, relaxing in the sunshine or staying warm in one of the sanctuary’s purpose built, cosy donkey barns. He has already been introduced to Walter, who was rescued from a very similar situation and they are getting along famously!
Buttons and his new friend
Buttons' other new pals include "Rocky" and "Pierre", who were also saved by the charity just before they made the harrowing journey from France to Italy to be slaughtered for their meat.
“We are thrilled to be able to offer Buttons a second chance in life at our sanctuary. He is already making new friends and we are starting to see his sweet, loving personality shine through, which is quite remarkable considering all he has endured.” said Judy. “Donkeys are beautiful animals, deserving of care and respect, so we will continue to do all we can, for as many as we can, for as long as we can.”
“We are thrilled to be able to offer Buttons a second chance in life at our sanctuary. He is already making new friends and we are starting to see his sweet, loving personality shine through, which is quite remarkable considering all he has endured.” said Judy. “Donkeys are beautiful animals, deserving of care and respect, so we will continue to do all we can, for as many as we can, for as long as we can.”
Buttons and Walter at the sanctuary
