HORACIO SORIA, of Reuters, reports on the work of the “Let’s Dream of Hope” refuge…
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Reuters
Lorena Melantoni pets a rescued horse at her sanctuary “Let’s Dream of Hope” where mistreated horses that used to pull recycling carts, or were used for sports, have a second chance of life, in La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina, on 2nd December, 2023. PICTURE: Reuters/Tomas Cuesta
Lorena Melantoni dedicates her weekends running a sanctuary for abused and abandoned horses, an issue in the South American nation known for its polo and stallion-riding gauchos.
“I am an option for these old horses, ones with disabilities, amputated horses, or one-eyed horses that nobody wants to take for adoption,” Melantoni told Reuters. “They stay with me from the moment they arrive until they pass.”
Rescued horses walk at Lorena Melantoni’s sanctuary “Let’s Dream of Hope” where mistreated horses that used to pull recycling carts, or were used for sports, have a second chance of life, in La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina, on 2nd December, 2023. PICTURE: Reuters/Tomas Cuesta
Located in Buenos Aires province, the “Let’s Dream of Hope” refuge provides a place for horses that have no other home, she explained, adding that many had suffered terrible cruelty.
One horse, Baco, was found malnourished and injured.
“From exhaustion he ended up falling into a ditch and the alleged owners hit him and broke his spine”, said Melantoni, who works in the judiciary during the week.
“We see human cruelty daily,” she said, adding though that being able to help the horse live out their life in some comfort was personally rewarding.
Mateo Gonzales pets a rescued horse at Lorena Melantoni’s sanctuary “Let’s Dream of Hope” where mistreated horses that used to pull recycling carts, or were used for sports, have a second chance of life, in La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina, on 2nd December, 2023. PICTURE: Reuters/Tomas Cuesta
“I wait the whole week to come and see them,” Melantoni said. “I wait for it all the time. Arriving here and smelling them, hugging them, kissing them. And then, I can leave calm and happy and I say: that’s it, that made my week.”
