Romanian policeman receives award for donkey rescue

Romanian policeman, Petrescu Vasile from Constanta, received an award through The Donkey Sanctuary’s Romanian project, for recognition of his contribution to animal welfare, after he rescued a severely neglected donkey and informed The Donkey Sanctuary of the animal cruelty he had witnessed.

The donkey was found by a roadside in Constanta, collapsed on one side having being repeatedly beaten. He was unable to get up or pull his owner’s cart, with infected wounds on his legs from frequent beatings.

The donkey now named Jonny is currently in the care of The Donkey Sanctuary. Donkey Sanctuary vet, Roxana Topor explains, “We are extremely grateful for the contribution from Petrescu towards donkey welfare, and that we were the first point of contact for Jonny to receive the correct medical care and assistance. Jonny was found at a cart, with the owner brutally beating him on the legs with a bat. He was unable to get up and continue to pull the cart due to numerous wounds on his hind legs. He was extremely underweight, with long feet. I am so relieved we managed to save Jonny, and it’s refreshing to see the public getting in contact with us when they witness animal cruelty in Romania. Without us the donkey has no other hope of survival. The wound is now looking much better, and there are visible signs of improvement. I am confident Jonny is on his way to living a happy, healthy life. We would like to say a big thank you to Petrescu and show our appreciation with this diploma of excellence for his dedication to animal welfare.”

Policeman, Petrescu Vasile says, “I feel honored to have received this award for diploma of excellence, and relieved that Jonny is on the road to recovery. When I was informed of the donkey’s situation I really wanted to ensure I helped in whatever way I could to change and improve the animal’s life. After speaking with The Donkey Sanctuary I offered my support in case intervention by the police was needed.”

The Donkey Sanctuary started working in Romania in 2007, when the economic climate and increased hay prices led to an alarming rise in the number of donkeys being abandoned. There are an estimated 30,000 donkeys and mules throughout the country. The project is facilitated on the charity’s behalf by Sara Turetta and her Italian charity, Save the Dogs and Other Animals based in Cernavoda, where three large barns have been built to house the 60 rescued donkeys.

To find out more about The Donkey Sanctuary’s work in Romania please visit http://www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/romania