Help provide drinking water to 45 Italian horses
Donation protected
Summary:
Italian Horse Protection (IHP) is an independent association dedicated to the welfare of all equids. Reliant solely on gifts and donations, we strive to save as many mistreated and abused horses as possible. Unfortunately, a crisis in 2018-2021 caused 19 horses to die with no clear cause of death. This crisis forced the organization to move locations. The new location has no access to clean drinking water for the 45 rescued horses on site. Therefore, through this fundraiser, we ask you to consider a donation to provide clean water for these horses in need.
Italian Horse Protection: who are we?
The Italian Horse Protection (IHP) is a nonprofit organization which rescues neglected, mistreated and abused equids. IHP combats abuse and ill-treatment, and works towards gaining both legislative and cultural changes which will lead to the recognition of the rights of horses.
IHP does not receive any public funding, nor are we reimbursed by the Public Prosecution Offices for the custody of the horses handed over to us.
One of the horses (Hot Topsail) before and after seizureCrisis of 2018-2021
Beginning in 2018, a crisis hit IHP. Numerous horses at IHP suddenly passed away for unknown reasons. The horses that died were of different ages and conditions. All the horses appeared to be in good health and had no known medical problems. Their deaths were quick and unexpected: they would collapse and die within minutes (see link for video. Warning: images may be shocking. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdfBwY_tpkE )
This tragic wave of sudden deaths of fit and healthy horses began on the 18th of December 2018. A total of 19 horses died over the next three years. To date, there is no explanation for their deaths, despite numerous investigations, autopsies and the many expert opinions which were sought both within Italy and abroad. This absence of a clear cause of death leaves us open to various hypotheses, the two principle ones being an environmental phenomenon, or deliberate criminal acts of poisoning.
Fortunately, since IHP moved locations, there have been no more sudden deaths of horses. However, the organization is still in urgent need of some basic necessities to be able to take care of the remaining horses.
What do we need now?
Water. In summer the temperatures in Tuscany can reach 40 degrees Celsius, with little to no rain. Unfortunately, for our water supply, IHP is completely dependent on one small lake on top of the hill. There are two problems with this lake: it is not clean, and it is definitely not enough. The result is that in the upcoming summer 45 horses may end up without (drinking) water.
To solve this problem, IHP aims to build a water well. Through a well, we will gain access to clean, drinkable groundwater: a long-term solution to an urgent problem.
IHP’s current source of drinking water for the horses
How can you help?
How can you help?
Building a well is costly. Part of the price is fixed, but the remainder of the cost depends on how deep we need to drill in order to reach the groundwater. Previous drilling in the area of IHP shows that we need to go as deep as 100 meters to find potable water. After consulting several parties who are involved in building wells, the estimated price is €12.000.
This is where we need your help. Because IHP does not receive any government funding, we are completely reliant on donations and gifts. Therefore, we ask you to consider a donation to help us bring clean, drinkable water to 45 horses in need.
We thank you for your consideration.
Organizer and beneficiary
Amanda Perotti
Organizer
Santo Richichi
Beneficiary