Vieques Island Animal Sanctuary
HC 02 Box 14915
Vieques, PR 00765
New Programs at Vieques Island Animal Sanctuary
Rescuing horses is a solution to a vexing island problem that, to date, no group on the island has tackled. Vieques is home to free range horses, which appears very bucolic in the tourist brochure.
Sadly, many of the horses run afoul of bigger and faster vehicles, construction and development, and neglect resulting in disease, starvation, and serious injury. The Sanctuary has taken its first step in launching a horse rescue program for injured, abused, and neglected free-ranging island horses. In 2021, the Sanctuary signed an agreement with the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico for thirty acres of public land to be developed into a pasture for approximately ten old, infirm, or injured horses.
Initially, our focus and funds are on preparing the land: clearing, fencing, seeding pasture grass, and providing water access.
This work will require the purchase of a tractor. Ponds, native trees, and plants to encourage a serene environment for horses as well as habitats for birds, bees and butterflies are in our plans. When fully implemented, it will also serve to employ young adults. Twenty-five percent of Vieques youth do not graduate high school and unemployment is high on the island. Many of the island youths have grown up around horses and are knowledgeable about their needs and care. A win-win situation.