In 2004, when ANIMALS’ ANGELS visited the horse- and cattle market in León, Spain, for the first time, they were faced with a horrific sight: many ill, injured and emaciated horses, donkeys and cows in a bare concrete hall. No water, no hay, the floors very slippery.
Over and over again, ANIMALS’ ANGELS controlled the market, filed charges, wrote letters of complaint and followed many illegal transports of sick and injured animals to the slaughterhouse. The team was attacked and insulted by both the merchants and the authorized veterinarians. But ANIMALS’ ANGELS did not give up: Together with the Spanish organisation ANDA, many improvements could be made: The slippery floors have been changed, all animals have access to hay, water and food, only very few injured animals arrive now at the market.
The veterinarians and market administration do not taunt our team anymore but are now content with the situation on the market. They know of course, that a livestock market will always be very stressful for the animals, but now, everybody is working on improvements.
This year on November 28, we lit candles on the market. We wanted to light the sky for all the animals we met and whom we will never forget. The market in León became a place of hope this year.
You can now help us on our homepage by lighting your own candle for the animals and sending us your good wishes!