In the rural villages of northern Peru there are gruelling levels of poverty and deprivation. Donkeys are commonly used for transporting wood, metal containers of milk, and heavy loads of vegetables such as potatoes, corn and cabbage. Owners have little knowledge of how to look after their animals, and veterinary and farriery services are scarce.

The Asociacion Humanitaria San Francisco de Asis (AHSFA) is based in Colan near the north-western coast of Peru. This charity works to improve the welfare of animals in the villages through veterinary and community initiatives. It runs mobile clinics and an animal rehabilitation centre as well as an education programme in schools. The Donkey Sanctuary provides funding for veterinary care and farriery for donkeys and mules, and for educating school children about donkey welfare.