There are further signs that the government of Bonaire is reconsidering its plan to transport 200 feral donkeys to Haiti. Staff at Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire were due to meet government officials on Wednesday 25th July, but the government decided to hold an internal meeting instead. Afterwards they contacted Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire to ask for more information on how they think the feral donkey problem can be solved.
The fact that the government has now entered into discussion with Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire has raised their hopes that the government is willing to co-operate with them to find the best solution to the problem of feral donkeys on the island, which is in the Dutch Caribbean.
The petition was presented to the government on 16th July 2012 by Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire, and copies were also sent to two members of the Dutch Party for Animals who have seats in the Dutch parliament. This party then submitted written questions to the Dutch government, asking if they supported the plan and pointing out that there are alternative ways to control the feral donkeys.
The situation has received media coverage in Holland and in the Caribbean, and it’s thought that this, along with the petition, has led to the Bonaire government deciding to consider other options.
In another positive development, Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire is to start putting up almost five kilometres of new fencing this week, with the labour costs partially paid for with a £9,000 donation from our charity. Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire is home to more than 400 donkeys and the fencing is essential to keep them within its grounds so that they are safe from harm or harassment. Over the years the existing fencing had become old and rickety, and needed replacing.