Following the call from SPA La Louvière and thanks to an order from the acting mayor Antonio Gava, our colleagues from other shelters mobilized for a new emergency intervention in Maurage, in the Walloon region. The scene on site was horrifying: 16 sheep, around thirty goats, and two ponies were kept in disastrous living conditions.
On the ground, littered with debris, every step posed a danger to the animals. Corpses, including that of a young sheep apparently starved to death, were visible among the waste. The risks for the responders were also real, requiring assistance from the firefighters to illuminate the area and capture the animals.
In this oppressive atmosphere, the various shelters worked together until late into the night to rescue the animals. Eight goats were transferred to the Veeweyde Refuge du Marais, with the assistance of the ASBL 4 Balzanes, which temporarily accommodated them.
The situation of the two ponies is critical due to the lack of podiatric care for years, resulting in severe deformation of their hooves. Radiographic examinations will be necessary to assess potential joint damage.
This rescue mission goes beyond a simple intervention, representing a collective effort, made possible by the exemplary collaboration of the police and firefighters, to offer hope to these abused animals. The shelters worked together, demonstrating admirable solidarity.
The animals were distributed among different shelters: Veeweyde Refuge du Marais, Help Animals Officiel, Tabula Rasa asbl, Opale ASBL – Refuge Des Collines, Silence animal, 4 Balzanes ASBL, Animal Sans Toit and La Petite Ferme de Belvie 𝘢𝘴𝘣𝘭.