Rescue operation to save donkeys from Portugal

THEY ARE as synonymous with Christmas as the stable and the three Wise Men — but no amount of Biblical heroism can save some donkeys from horrific cruelty.

So it's down to a couple from West Down and animal angel Diana Lewis to mount a rescue operation.

Chris and Elaine Mugleston are already looking after five rescued donkeys at their home — but a recent trip to Portugal brought them again, face to face with some very cruelly-treated animals.

Chris explained: "We saw an ad in a paper out there, by an English lady who runs a sanctuary for dogs and cats, but she had found a band of gipsies beating a mule in the street.

"They made her pay for the animal before they would stop beating it — and the police just walked by and did nothing.

"She has been able to get it back to a better state of health, but as with the donkey sanctuary we visited in the Algarve, they then don't have anything for them to eat — they were basically living in fields of sand."

In all, the couple are hoping to bring back two mules and four donkeys in the New Year.

Chris said: "Fortunately we have friends over there who own an orange grove, so they're all happily munching away in pasture until we can get them back."

Chris said there were other donkeys which they have had to leave behind, as they are not fit to travel, including one which had been so badly beaten, its back was broken.

"She's the sweetest thing — and she's had great veterinary treatment since she's been rescued, she's not in any pain — but when she lies down she can't get back up, so has to be lifted."

Chris said the last time they rescued Portuguese donkeys, they had funded the entire venture themselves — but this time won't be able to do that.

So Diana Lewis and the North Devon Animal Ambulance are helping them out.

The charity's Christmas party raised more than £1,000 towards the cost of veterinary treatment in Portugal.

Diana said: "We are going to pay the costs for two of the donkeys. I know we are a local charity and these are not local animals, but when you know about that level of cruelty, you just can't ignore it, can you. So our treasurer has agreed it."

Chris said that what they now need is for someone with a horse lorry or horse box that can take the six animals — to lend it to them.

"We would be grateful for any donations too, as it's quite costly to get the Portuguese certificates to transport them, fuel, and veterinary checks."

Anyone who can help can call Chris and Elaine on (+44) 01271-879512 or 07802 285842.