Safe Haven for Donkeys in the Holy Land
Safe Haven for Donkeys in the Holy Land (SHADH) is a British registered charity[1] that cares for working and abandoned donkeys in Israel and the Palestinian Territories.
The charity was set up in 2000 and runs a 4-acre (16,000 m2) donkey sanctuary near the Israeli town of Netanya. In the spring of 2016, SHADH was home to more than 220 donkeys.
Safe Haven also runs a programme of free veterinary clinics for working donkeys, mules and horses on both sides of the Palestinian border. The team regularly visits towns and villages where they offer free veterinary care, advice on tooth and hoof care, harnessing and education and support for the owners.
In April 2011 the charity opened its first permanent clinic in the Palestinian town of Qalqilya, open 7 days a week in a refurbished garage building and is now treating up to 200 working animals a week. A second clinic in the Palestinian city of Nablus opened at the end of June 2012 and is treating a similar number of working donkeys, mules and horses.
The charity's Royal Patron is HRH Princess Alexandra the Hon Lady Ogilvy KG GCVO. Patrons are the Rt Hon the Earl of Stockton, broadcaster Des Lynam, actor Anthony Head, author and journalist Julie Burchill and former MP and author Ann Widdecombe. A press release from Animal Friends Insurance reports that company's £1,000 donation each month towards the running cost of the new clinic.[2]
