Since 2014, we created a charitable trust in the United Kingdom, governed by the Charity Commission in England and Wales, to support working equines in Morocco, and most importantly to support a refuge in Morocco, known as 'The Jarjeer and Donkey Refuge'. The Refuge is registered as an Association in Morocco.

During the recent pandemic we took abandoned  and disabled horses, donkeys mules from all over Morocco. We now have an excess of 250 equines at our Refuge. 

Susan Machin and Charles Hantom founded the Refuge on their 6.5 hectare land that they own. Permission was originally given and plans approved to build a tourist project on the land but in times of desperate need it became essential for the owners to rent the land to the charity. The Refuge is now known internationally and recognised as a well kept and well maintained  site that enhances the local environment. 

Recently Charles Hantom was served with a notice from the local Caid (a senior official in the local administration) demanding that we stop forthwith building an essential stable. The order has been sent to the local court and this is the first time that we have ever received such an order since our charity was established. This followed a visit by a newly appointed Caid accompanied another local official during the evening and without our consent or knowledge. It was indicated to us through 3rd parties that if we made a payment to the Caid then no further action would be taken. We want to make it very clear that we were told about this by a third-party and we are quite sure that the Caid will refute that he asked for money, however we told the third party that we would not pay on the basis that to do so would be corrupt.

We now call on the King of Morocco and the Minister of the Interior to revoke this order and allow us to continue to provide shelter, care and medical treatment for distressed animals. Immediate action is necessary as we are continually asked by other organisations and local authorities to take animals. We are told that we are approached because we are registered and provide a sustainable service. Many say, both abroad and in the Kingdom, that we have developed something that is quite unique in Morocco. If we were forced close, we would not only put the lives of 250 equines at risk but also the livelihood of our 18 employees.