The owner of a donkey sanctuary in Israel has told how she found part of an Iranian missile in the field where some of the resident donkeys live.
Lucy Fensom, who founded Lucy’s UK Donkey Foundation to support the rescue and care of donkeys in the Holy Land in 2000 and who is calling for urgent donations to assist in the charity’s work, discovered the piece of heavy metal on the ground in a field at the sanctuary’s site in a village between Netanya and Tulkarm.
“We are so thankful that it was probably from one of the nighttime missile barrages when our donkeys were all safely in their barn and stables,” said Lucy.
“Had it fallen from the sky during the daytime when the donkeys were out in the field and hit one of them with the force and speed it would have done, it would very likely have either killed or seriously injured them.”
Constant bombardment
“Since the war started at the end of February, Iran has launched over 370 ballistic missiles at Israel. It is endearing watching our dear animals,” said Lucy.
“In the midst of what has often been endless barrages of Iranian ballistic missiles and the haunting sound of the air raid sirens warning of their imminent arrival, despite the chaos and destruction in our region, our precious donkeys and horses mostly stand calmly, full of love and their pure innocence.
“You can see how they are listening very carefully, looking very slightly uneasy knowing something isn’t quite right, yet resolutely determined to remain calm and composed.”
Outreach work on hold
Due to the current conditions in the country, the sanctuary, which is home to 53 donkeys, three horses, five cats and two dogs, is unable to restart its outreach work.
“When we think of those poor overworked, cruelly treated donkeys and horses, particularly now in this current climate of war which must make it more intolerable than ever for them, and the fact that we are not there to help them, unable to give them even only a fleeting moment of kindness and care, we are filled with sadness and despair,” added Lucy.
“We remain determined to find a way to be there for them, even if it will only be in a very small way, but for this to happen, it will also necessitate having adequate enough funds to ensure we can keep it up as regularly as is possible.”
Stamps required
The charity is asking for financial donations and highlighting its adopt-a-donkey scheme to raise funds and support its work. It is also in need of UK stamps.
“Our stock of donated stamps has been depleted and postage costs keep rising. For example, international letter postage has more than doubled to a whopping £3.60 in the last 5 years! If you are UK based and can help the charity save costs by sending us stamps or stamp booklets (2nd class and/or £3.60s), we would be very grateful,” said Lucy.
To make a donation click here. Please send any stamps to Lucy’s UK Donkey Foundation, 7 Richardson Close, Greenhithe, Kent, DA9 9QG.
Image © Lucy’s Donkey Foundation.
