Four donkeys and mules rescued from a Dehradun construction site were found dehydrated, exhausted and injured after allegedly carrying heavy building material daily
A complaint about the treatment of working animals at a construction site in Dehradun led to the rescue of four donkeys and mules. The animals are now receiving medical care at an animal sanctuary after being found in poor condition.
The rescue was carried out by an animal welfare group with the help of local authorities. The animals will remain at the sanctuary as a legal case against their owner continues.
Animals Were Carrying Heavy Loads
People For Animals (PFA) trustee Gauri Maulekhi shared details of the rescue on Instagram. She said the organisation received a complaint on June 6, after which a rescue team visited the construction site along with police and veterinary officials.
Describing the situation, Maulekhi wrote, “In an under-construction building in Dehradun, four donkeys and mules were being forced to carry construction material up ten flights of stairs every day.”
Videos shared online showed the animals climbing long staircases with heavy construction material on their backs. The visuals raised concerns about the treatment of working animals and sparked calls for stricter action against cruelty.
Court Denies Owner’s Request
After the rescue, veterinarians examined the animals and found that they were in poor health. “All four were found in severe condition, dehydrated, exhausted, with damaged joints and deteriorated hooves.”
The animals were shifted to Happy Home Sanctuary, where they are receiving treatment, proper food and rest. The owner later approached the court, asking for custody of the animals.
However, the court refused the request and allowed the animals to remain with the welfare organisation while the case is still being heard.
Sharing the court’s decision, Maulekhi said, “The court ruled that animals subjected to cruelty cannot be handed back to the accused while the case is pending and must remain in the care of a recognised animal welfare organisation.”
She also said the sanctuary currently looks after more than 250 rescued animals. “These four are now safe. More than 250 rescued animals at Happy Home Sanctuary continue to depend on us every day-and their care never stops.”
People Thanked The Rescuers
Many people appreciated the rescue and praised the work of the animal welfare team.
A user wrote, “Donkey is one of the most innocent animal on the planet. Thank you for saving them from the cruelty.”
Another said, “Shouldn’t the owner be fined for such cruelty?? There should be heavy fines.” “Thankyou for all your efforts,” a person commented.
