Horse Shelter &

Visit latest updates from ESAF
10.12.12

All at Quest have been deeply affected by the current plight of the 'Pyramid Horses' of Egypt. We hope our visitors and supporters will take some time to read the below information and gain an understanding of this situation.

We have been corresponding regularly with E.S.A.F., an amazing organisation within Egypt who are working tirelessly to address both the causes, and the symptoms of this tragic state of affairs. We feel that 'horses are horses', wherever they are, and that compassion knows no borders. We hope that our supporters will feel the same way, and will join Quest in reaching out a helping hand from Australia to the horses that E.S.A.F. are working so hard to assist.

When you have read this page, please do visit the photo albums on E.S.A.F.'s Facebook page for an insight into their incredible work and the mammoth task that E.S.A.F. faces.

Details re how to make a donation to support E.S.A.F.'s work can be found at the foot of this page.

Quest is very proud to share that E.S.A.F. is Quest's first international 'sister' organisation. While we are restricted by our regulatory obligations, and unable to fundraise directly for E.S.A.F., we will certainly do as family does and support this very worthy and pro-active organisation in any manner we are able, and we hope that you will join with us in this.

* Please note: You can click on images to enlarge.

The Egyptian Society for Animal Friends, (ESAF), was first registered as a charity in March 2002 (Registration number 5034). When they moved to their present day location in Shabramont, Giza, Egypt in 2006, they were allocated a new Registration number; 2798/2006.

ESAF was initially set up as a small animal sanctuary with the aim of helping the stray cats and dogs on Cairo’s streets and to raise awareness to the public of all animal welfare issues. This still remains ESAF’s mission today.

Under the guidance of present Chair Person, Ahmed El Sherbiny, they have made great in-roads into changing animal welfare laws and the views of the public for all of Egypt’s animals. There is still along way to go.

In 2005 ESAF began work within the Nazalet El Saman area. This area is the community directly beneath the Pyramids where the vast majority of the equines are to be found. This district is a distinct community with many social problems but not in a lawless way. Problems that do exist are a result of the lack of schools and other social amenities that we as westerners are fortune to be able to expect and in some cases take for granted. This community depends solely on tourism to survive.

ESAF had recognised a need in this community and set-up a program of weekly clinics where equine owners could receive free medical treatment and advice on good welfare practises. Equipment was also given out to owners; nose band sleeves to cover over the chain halters that are often used instead of soft ones that protect the horses, fly skirts that attach around the halters and padded cushions, with holes in them that will protect any horses with saddle sores from further suffering. They very soon built up a lot of trust and earned a huge amount respect from the locals.

ESAF Clinic & Feed Day.

Children helping to distribute the feed.

In February of this year the world watched the events in Tahrir Square and the subsequent fall of the then President Hosni Mubarak. Very few people were aware of the impact that these actions would have on tourism and the livelihoods of people in this area. Immediately after the revolution it came to ESAF’s attention, and other societies, that there was a real problem for the equines. Starved of revenue and with no savings many families were going hungry as well as the horses. How many equines directly died as a result of the revolution is questionable. Some were in a poor state of health prior to the uprising and sadly died as a consequence of the dramatic fall in tourist numbers.

Though there was a huge impact on the welfare of many horses, once the immediate crisis was eased it exposed something that has been a long time concern for ESAF; the out dated practises toward equine welfare. Many owners still believe in what can be best described as ‘folklore’; old medical remedies that date back centuries and have become twisted in time like Chinese whispers.

In February ESAF increased their presence in the area to 3 days a week and added feed distribute to their programme. In April they stepped up their programme yet again to include educational classes. At these classes owners are invited to join the ESAF team as they address these bad practises in equine welfare. They have also had printed ‘illiteracy friendly’ leaflets to show right from wrong.

May through to October is widely acknowledged as the low season for visitors to the Pyramids. Extreme temperatures make a day out at the last ancient wonder of the world a very uncomfortable experience. Ramadan also sees a down fall in numbers and has fallen in August this year. Also, the political instability is not helping with people’s faith in visiting Egypt. These facts are having a huge impact on the lives of people and their cares.

During Ramadan ESAF made stable visits to the worst cases they have accessed. Here, medical treatments such as de-worming, vitamin injections and feed are given.  This gives the horses some much needed rest and the owners do not need to bring the horses to the clinic.

At one of ESAF’s clinics in August they came across a 15 year old stallion that had had a horrific fall and damaged ligaments in his hind quarters. He was already in a poor condition, just skin and bone. His owner had no further use for him and wanted rid of him as the extra care he needed would be a strain on his budget with no return. It is sadly a fact that some owners do not have the same sentimental attachments to the horses as many of us do. It was decided by ESAF’s veterinary team that they would take this stallion into their care at the shelter. Anter would be the first horse to be housed in the newly built area for horses. He is now making great progress and the search is on for a home so he can see out the remainder of his years free to roam free in fields at his hearts content.

There is a story of another horse rescued from ESAF’s clinics. Marte originally from Norway and a volunteer for ESAF attended one of ESAF’s clinic and rescued Susu, another unwanted horse. Marte now has three rescued horses and stables them not far from Nazalet El Saman. All three are doing great the improvement is incredible, surrounded by love and attention they all have a happy future.

ESAF are now moving in to phase three of their program. Concerned by the condition of some of the horses if tourists do return in their usual numbers in October, ESAF have decided that they will continue their thrice weekly clinic and feed distribute through to December. They would also like to add another day to the clinics.

ESAF are very aware of the dangers of building up a dependency with the feed distribution. Ultimately this is unsustainable and will not in the long term be of benefit to this community. People need to learn that they have to be responsible for their cares. For the present future it is still necessary and until tourist numbers increase to the norm it is in ESAF’s program. ESAF will be keeping a careful watch on tourism and when the time is right will start to reduce the quantities of feed given. As this is happening the intention is to increase the welfare classes and specifically target the many children who attend the clinics and classes. Children are the future of any society, in targeting them, ESAF hope to begin changing the long established, misinformed bad practises that the older generation are reluctant to except are out dated and wrong.

Tourists will also be targeted with informative leaflets to highlight the signs of malpractice. Tourist need to be educated in what to look out for. You do not have to be an equine expert to know if a horse is in good condition. They have to be warned against accepting rides from owners who are pleasant but persistent. They need to be strong and realise that just because owners say “there are no tourist and my horses are hungry”, that by taking such a horse they a perpetuating the problem. By remaining strong and refusing rides or checking out what lies beneath the saddles, they are in turn re-enforcing the lessons give out at welfare classes; “A healthy horse will in the long term earn you more money.”

ESAF have developed good relationships with new ministers of the government regarding animal welfare. Many are shocked by what they have learnt and together we hope these people will be part of the long term improvement of the equines and the image of Egypt in the world’s eyes.

ESAF are in the process of lobbying the government for animal welfare legislation and formulating and a long term program of education. The aim is to remove the dependency on free food and steer owners towards self sufficiency.  Education of tourists, owners and children will be important parts of this program. It will be a long road, decades of bad practises need to be undone, and support from the government is paramount. Things are looking and sounding promising. This is a golden opportunity to rectify these wrongs and improve the lives of the working equines at the pyramids.

Of course all of this costs money and lots of it; feed, medical supplies, equipment handouts and literature. There are many complex charity laws in Egypt especially regarding donations from abroad. ESAF are so delighted by Quest Equine Welfare's offer to help in this matter. We hope that together we can continue to improve the lives of equines in both Egypt and Australia and would be more than happy if you joined us. If you feel you can help please make a donation and visit us on Facebook.

Donations can be made in several ways:

If you live in Cairo you can call the ESAF shelter 3381 7681 and arrangements can be made to collect cash donations.

You can also deposit money into ESAF’s bank account:
HSBC Bank, Grand Mall, Ma’adi, Cairo
Acc name The Egyptian Society of Animal Friends
Acc # 005-129523-100 USD
Acc # 005-129523-001 EGP

If you live in the US you can mail cheques ONLY to:
PO Box 960
Clinton WA 98236

The Egyptian charity laws are very strict, especially in relation to donations from abroad. No matter how small the donation, any society that sticks to the letter of the law must approve the donation at a board meeting, and then submit their board's approval and receipt of the money to the The Ministry of Social Affairs for their approval before the money will be released for use. This can take up to 60 days, and in ESAF's experience it is never before this time.

PAYPAL:
Paypal does not allow anyone within Egypt to use its services. If you are outside of Egypt and are able to use Paypal, please visit this link. This is a private account established by Colin Ball, (who is a UK citizen), specifically for this purpose. Colin is a volunteer with ESAF who assists with fund raising and PR, and photographs ESAF's activities.

ESAF Update 10.02.12

Animal welfare legislation

One of the recommendations that resulted from the workshop that was organized by ESAF included the idea of establishing animal welfare legislation relating to all species. As a next step towards completing this goal, a committee formed of representatives from local organizations and key government figures met at the Giza Zoo on January 5th to discuss components of the suggested legislation.

On Thursday 2^nd of February the elected committee met for the second meeting to discuss the remaining articles relating to the suggested animal welfare legislation.

Led by ESAF, the committee includes The former head of the Central Zoo Department, Dr. Nabil Sedki, Dr. Fatma Tamam, head of the Central Zoo Department, Dr. Ragi Toma, the director of the Wildlife Department, Mona Khalil of ESMA, Dr. Ahmed El Wakeel of the Veterinarian’s Syndicate, Dr. Magda Shoukry, of the Cairo Airport’s Wildlife Office, and Brigadier Adham Mehesen, Env Police. At the initial meeting the committee completed and approved half of the proposed articles of the legislation. During this meeting the committee finalized and approved the remaining articles.

After the draft legislation is completed, it will be sent to the chairman of GOVS, who will submit it to the Minister of Agriculture for presentation before the Parliament for final approval. The GOVS chairperson is very positive and interested in the new legislation.

ESAF considers 2012 as "The Year of the Legislation"

Should we face any obstacles; the Minister of Agriculture will issue the main articles as a ministerial decrees. (Which is easier and faster than the Parliamentary procedures) which will cover most articles in the suggested legislation.

KIWI Care Team Visit (New Zealand)

As of March 24th, till 15th April, ESAF will host a KIWI care team (New Zealand) - 17 vets from New Zealand and UK, farrier experts, technicians, specialized in equines (treatment, dentists, and surgical operation and farriers procedures). The team will concentrate on the Pyramids area. The team will be donating medical supplies and surgical instruments. A full program has already been established in association with the GOVS and Giza vet dept to facilitate their arrival and during their stay, also several training programs will be given to both our vets and the government vets on farrierery, dentistry, TNR and general surgical procedures.  

(Full report and photos will be posted on the ESAF Facebook page).

Cairo English School (CES)

CES have organized a two day event, on the 13 of Feb; representatives of ESAF including vets will visit CES to talk to the children about animal welfare and ESAF. The children will participate in several activities relating to animal welfare.

On the 14^th Feb the children will take part in a sponsored "Fun Run" to raise funds for ESAF. ESAF thanks CES for organizing this event.

(Full report and photos will be posted on the ESAF Facebook page).

Pyramids area, long term plan

ESAF believes that feeding in the Pyramids area is not the only solution to the problems. ESAF has established a long term plan and a strategy which we hope will improve and develop the care of working animals in the area, however we will continue feeding the needy animals.
Educational programs for private and government schools. We are working with the animal owners in the area on a program of "on the job training" as we educate them on the care of the animal while their animals are receiving the treatment; also we educate local children from the area.
The static clinic in the area is working 7 days a week from 9 am till 5 pm for treatment. For the first time we have created "Treatment Card" for the animal owners to establish a data base for all working animals in the area.
Other animal welfare organization limit their treatment to equines, ESAF is the only organization that treats camels as well as horses and donkeys. Also we do not turn away other farm animals that are brought by local residents.
ESAF has established a positive working relationship with the government officials in relation to the Pyramids area and they are helping us as much as they can (not financially, but facilitating our mission).

6 of October Vet Department

ESAF has donated some equipment to the 6 of October vet clinic as part of our plan to establish a working relationship; we also are in the process of training their vets on TNR with the idea of starting TNR in the area as an alternative to the present methods of controlling stray animals. We believe that to establish animal welfare it begins in this case with well trained vets.

Pet shop program

ESAF has established a training program in association with the GOVS animal welfare unit. On Wednesday 15th Feb the training will commence with 6 vets from Cairo, Giza and GOVS vet department on animal welfare legislation, pet shop rules and regulations. These vets will be visiting the pet shops on regular bases to check the conditions and the shops owners are implementing the correct procedures.

The pet shop owners will be invited to receive a training workshop which will be held on 27-28 Feb at GOVS training center at Imbaba. Giza. GOVS will address the licensing departments in all governorates that no license will issued for any establishment selling animals, unless they obtain GOVS approval.

(Full report and photos will be posted on the ESAF Facebook page).

ESAF thanks all those who are supporting our activities, both moral and financially.

Ahmed El Sherbiny
On behalf of ESAF