Donkeys have been beasts of burden in the Middle East for thousands of years, when they can no longer work, they are often abandoned.

This Lent/Passover season a group called Safe Haven for Donkeys in the Holy Land is hoping to get word out about their care for malnourished, injured or elderly asses.

According to founder Lucy Fensom: “Absolutely no veterinary care is given to sick or injured donkeys, since in most cases it would be cheaper to buy a new animal. For this reason when they are sick, injured, too old or surplus to requirements they are turned out and left to fend for themselves – quite often tied to a post without food or water and left to die. Many stray donkeys suffer from direct abuse and torture. “

Photo courtesy of Safe Haven, who tells us: Lucy had known this poor mule since the summer of 2005 as he was a patient at the Tayibe resting station and nicknamed him “Beauty”, although everybody else failed to agree. Beauty collapsed – malnourished and beaten – and Lucy brought him home to Safe Haven where he is now enjoying his new life of freedom.

h/t: Cathy Grossman.