The weekly donkey news from 'Safe Haven for Donkeys' Gaza: for many animals giving help means a relief from pain, treating injuries and transportation for the suffering people

 

View this email in your browser

Thanks to your support, donkeys, mules and horses are receiving care they would otherwise go without. Day after day, you're helping our teams reach animals working in some of the toughest conditions - bringing relief from pain, treating injuries, and giving them the chance of a healthier life. This week, we're bringing you a report from Gaza. It’s hard to overstate what your support means here. For many animals, it's the difference between ongoing suffering and the chance to heal. In January and February alone, you helped us to treat 1,262 animals in Gaza. I hope this gives you a glimpse of the incredible impact you're making. Thank you so much for your kindness.  Wendy Safe Haven UK Office An update from Gaza Our team continues to work under extremely difficult conditions, reaching animals and families who need our help. They are currently operating in Khan Yunis, where tens of thousands of displaced families are living alongside their animals in harsh and uncertain conditions. As well as Western Rafah and central Gaza, including Deir Al-Balah and surrounding areas. During January and February the team cared for over 1,262 animals. With fuel scarce and roads destroyed, donkeys have once again become the main way to transport people and goods. As prices rise and access to food becomes more difficult, many owners are struggling to care for their animals. Despite this, th transportation, e bond between people and their donkeys remains incredibly strong - built on dependence, resilience, and survival. Even during Eid, and through worsening conditions, the team has continued without pause - responding to urgent calls and bringing care to animals who would otherwise be left to suffer. The team care for a donkey and her foal. Dr Saif has shared an impact report from the field, giving a closer look at the animals cared for during January and February. Click here to see the difference you’re making. Read our report from Gaza The demand for our mobile team's services is at times overwhelming - here you can see donkeys queuing way into the distance, waiting to be examined and receive treatment. Najeeba's video message from Gaza Recently, the team responded to an urgent call from a man named Fawaz, whose donkey had been suffering from severe skin infections and deep harness wounds. When they arrived, the wounds were painful and infected. The team immediately cleaned and treated them, administered antibiotics, and began ongoing care to support recovery. They also showed Fawaz how simple changes - like adding soft padding to the harness - can help prevent this kind of suffering in future.  In her video, Najeeba shares this story - and shows you first hand how your support is helping donkey in need. Thank you. Click to view Najeeba's video Thank You  Your support helps us fund our mobile vet teams in Gaza, the West Bank, and Egypt, bringing vital veterinary treatment directly to working donkeys in desperate need. You are also helping to care for rescue donkeys at our sanctuaries in Israel and the West Bank, where they receive nutritious food, specialist care, and the safety of a forever home.  Thank you for caring for these gentle animals. Donate today Hoof abscesses, cracked hooves, joint inflammation and ligament strains are all common conditions of donkeys in Gaza. You're helping our vet team to treat hundreds of donkeys every week. If you'd like to read previous updates of our work, please click here to visit out blog. You can also view today's update online by clicking here. Registered charity number 1083468

A ban on greyhound racing in Wales and Scotland: 123 greyhounds died on the track and 3,809 injuries were recorded in Great Britain in 2024

The use of cocaine to make the dogs run faster, and the betting on the dogs at the races, ruining human lives, are according to insiders also reasons to ban greyhound racing ( I have no proof to write about these allegations )

In a historic win for animal welfare, Wales has moved to ban greyhound racing following a decisive vote in the Senedd, while Scotland has passed legislation outlawing the sport altogether.

Photo: BBC

According to the League Against Cruel Sports, in 2024, there were 123 greyhound fatalities recorded at licensed tracks in Great Britain, and 3,809 injuries were reported to racing greyhounds.

Photo: Greyhound racing Scotland

Since 2017, the industry has recorded hundreds of deaths each year and thousands of injuries: at least 1,357 trackside fatalities and more than 35,000 injuries over that period.

On March 17, 2026, members of the Welsh Senedd voted 39 to 10 in favor of the Prohibition of Greyhound Racing (Wales) Bill, which will make it illegal to operate greyhound racing venues or organize races in the country.

Greyhound Racing Scotland

The ban is expected to be implemented in stages between April 2027 and April 2030. Wales currently has only one active track, Valley Greyhound Stadium in Ystrad Mynach.

Animal welfare groups hailed the vote as a major victory for greyhounds. Jamie Adair of the League Against Cruel Sports stated:

“The death and injury toll of greyhound racing is quite simply shocking, and goes beyond what people see at the racetracks.”

Welsh Democrat Jane Dodds, a supporter of the bill, added that it sends a clear message:

“Foreseeable and unavoidable harm to animals cannot be justified in the name of sport or in the service of gambling revenues.”

Despite some legal challenges and criticism, supporters say the legislation is a historic step toward protecting greyhounds from unnecessary harm.

The following day, on March 18, 2026, the Scottish Parliament voted to pass the Greyhound Racing (Offences) (Scotland) Bill, effectively banning greyhound racing in Scotland. The bill, introduced by Green MSP Mark Russell, makes it illegal for greyhounds to race on oval tracks, with penalties including fines and up to five years in prison. During debate, Russell told MSPs:

“Racing greyhounds at up to speeds of 40 pmh around an oval track results in catastrophic injuries and deaths. Dogs break their legs, break their backs, end up paralysed and with serious head trauma.”

Scotland’s last remaining track, Thornton Stadium in Kirkcaldy, Fife, closed in 2025, leaving the country without active racing venues. Supporters say the legislation prevents future harm and aligns Scotland with other countries that have already outlawed the cruel sport.

In recent years, the industry has sharply declined. Advocates point to injury data and the number of greyhounds killed to highlight the risks faced by racing dogs. The back-to-back actions in Wales and Scotland mark a historic moment for animal welfare, signaling that the UK is moving to end greyhound racing and protect dogs from avoidable harm, another historic win for animal welfare.