Eseltjiesrus Donkey Sanctuary will run its 16th annual Big Book fair after a two year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Bookworms far and wide are invited to join this special event to help raise funds for the sanctuary.
The sanctuary – situated near McGregor in the Western Cape – is a safe haven for previously abused and retired donkeys.
In 2017, the National Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) issued a report on the abuse donkeys suffer, including being exploited in the illegal skin trade and being used as transport animals for water and firewood.
Donkeys are also frequently used as show or performing animals in petting zoos or farming tours.
Despite other African countries such as Botswana, Senegal, Mali, Ethiopia, Gambia and Burkina Faso having taken progressive steps to address this crisis, the NSCPA stated that ‘the South African government appears to leave humane intervention to welfare organisations.’
This problem is compounded by the escalating trade in donkey skins, with more and more donkeys falling victim to it. Moreover, there are very few safe havens or sanctuaries in South Africa for donkeys.
Although donkeys are yet to be classified under The International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species, it does not negate the crisis, and as with most things, prevention is better than cure.
The book fair has a wide variety of brand new, pre-loved and collectable books for sale at a bargain price. Travel, cooking, art, gardening, self-help, autobiography and even children’s novels are just a few of the categories you can find here.
Details for the Eseltjiesrus Donkey Sanctuary Giant Winter Book fair listed below:
Dates: 16 – 18 June
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Address: Oos-Kerk Hall, Van Zyl St, Robertson.
Contact details: 023 625 1593 or [email protected]
Pictures: Supplied
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