Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue
Our Nation's leading donkey rescue
Less Than Worthless
When we began our work in Texas, we had intended to catch some wild burros along the Rio Grande to prevent them from being shot. Once we had set up our facilities, we found that Texas had a much bigger problem.
Donkeys are the only livestock animal that does not increase in value when it is castrated. Cattle, horses, sheep, pigs and goats all gain in market value when the males are castrated. The need for stud animals is actually very small and having too many whole males of any species is extremely problematic for ranchers. Male donkeys in Texas are without value with or without their testicles.
As in many states, when an animal is taken to auction it must have a blood test performed to ensure that it is negative Coggins. This test costs between $15 and $25. Jacks and Geldings seldom fetch even $5 at most auctions thereby costing the owner more money to take the animal to auction than the animal is worth.
The solution that is being taken by more and more people across Texas is to simply abandon their unwanted and worthless donkeys along a stretch of empty road. These donkeys are usually discovered by law enforcement and we are called. Ranging in numbers from 3 to 16, we have made these rescues all across the Lone Star State.
In all of our other facilities, the ratio between jacks and jennets as always been a constant 1:1. In Texas the ratio is 8:1, jennets have a higher value as guardian animals. Many of the jacks are emaciated because they were kept off grazing, saving it for the animals that have financial worth.
It costs PVDR approximately $1000 for every donkey brought into our rescue system. This includes transportation, testing, vaccines, de-worming, micro-chipping, feed and care for 12 months. Jacks cost us an additional $160 for the castration. Of course this amount is only relevant for healthy donkeys, medical issues can cost a great deal more.
PVDR feels that these jacks are worth saving, we sincerely hope that you will too.
Use this button to donate $1160 and pay for the rescue and castration and care of an abandoned jack for one year. You will receive a Texas T-shirt and a picture and story of the Jack that you save. click here for our Texas Merchandise
