A small British charity is planning to rescue Palestinian donkeys this Christmas.
Safe Haven for Donkeys’ latest project is to build a permanent clinic at Nablus in the West Bank.
The current political situation makes it difficult for animal aid workers to travel into areas of the West Bank.
But former British Airways cabin crew member Lucy Fensom is determined to help the people of Nablus whose animals are desperately in need.
Ms Fensom said: “These animals are often the only means of transport to provide a family’s livelihood where poverty is rife.
“At our clinics owners can learn to care for their animals and treat them with kindness and respect.”
Ms Fensom moved to the Middle East ten years ago after witnessing the suffering of so many animals while she was on a working holiday.
She founded Safe Haven for Donkeys in the Holy Land and opened a sanctuary in Israel.
“My team is made up of people of all nationalities and religions but when it comes to donkey-work they pull together to help these gentle and intelligent animals,” Ms Fensom added.
Safe Haven for Donkeys hopes to raise £50,000 to fund the new West Bank clinic and its other work, by a series of fundraising initiatives.
For more information visit: www.safehaven4donkeys.org