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Our work in Italy began in April 2004 when we rescued 21 donkeys from terrible conditions at a bankrupt zoo in Naples, the result of an urgent appeal from Italian animal welfare association called Nata Libera.

The donkey population in Italy is estimated in the region of 24,000 and they are used mainly for meat, which is sold in markets in salami form and served up in restaurant stews. They are also used for transportation in rural farming areas, animal assisted therapy and holiday trekking.

We have established a subsidiary organisation called Il Rifugio degli Asinelli as a charity in Italy which will run our new farm in Turin.

The future for our core work in Italy is exciting. We can now provide permanent refuge to donkeys and also address welfare issues in the country by providing education and training to donkey owners and professionals.

Penny's Italian trek to aid donkey charity

By Dawn Vincent - Posted on 7th February 2011
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Foster donkeys Jenny and Honey

Penny Williams, a small business consultancy partner, from Oake near Taunton, needs local support to raise funds for her up and coming sponsored walking challenge in northern Italy, in aid of abandoned, cruelly treated and neglected donkeys.

Penny is taking part in the Cinque Terre Challenge from 10th to 17th April in aid of international animal welfare charity The Donkey Sanctuary.

Donkey Sanctuary rescues Italian donkeys from starvation

By Suzi Cretney - Posted on 13th May 2010
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Poldo and Silvia saved from starvation

Il Rifugio Degli Asinelli, a subsidiary of the Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary, was recently called upon to come to the rescue of two donkeys who were suffering from shocking levels of starvation and neglect.

Birch Vale local to embark on Italian trek to aid donkeys

By Dawn Vincent - Posted on 23rd March 2010
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A busy orthodontist from Birch Vale in High Peak, Derbyshire will soon embark on a sponsored walking challenge in northern Italy in aid of abandoned, cruelly treated and neglected donkeys.

Ros Howarth is taking part in the Cinque Terre Challenge from 18th to 25th April, an event organised by The Donkey Sanctuary in Devon, which also has a Derbyshire Centre based in Flagg near Buxton.

Our sanctuary in Italy opens its doors

By Jenifer Tucker - Posted on 28th October 2009
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Tied up and abandoned

Good news from Italy! Our first sanctuary there, Il Rifugio degli Asinelli ONLUS, is now open to the public, following an official ceremony on Saturday 22nd August 2009, 18 months after the first donkeys arrived. Local dignatories and journalists were given a guided tour during the morning and in the afternoon more than 1,000 people attended, as well as teams from two local television stations.

Venere and Holly find refuge in Italy

By Dawn Vincent - Posted on 28th October 2008
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Venere and Holly

At 21 years of age, Venere is the oldest donkey currently being cared for at Il Rifugio Degli Asinelli, the Italian counterpart of the Sidmouth-based Donkey Sanctuary. She was rescued, along with a foal called Holly, from a donkey breeding centre in southern Italy, as both were in terrible condition and needed the Sanctuary's expert care.