For thousands of years, the horse has been man’s favourite companion. This exceptional relationship, from which Man benefits for his pleasure or work, unfortunately all too often ends in a tragic and revolting way: when the horse is too old or can no longer give his owner complete satisfaction, he is sent… to slaughter.
Outraged by this state of affairs, and fascinated by this companion since childhood, Anouk THIBAUD decided to create the association “Le Refuge de Darwyn” (in homage to her lost horse). The association was founded on 17.02.2000 and is now based in Geneva, Switzerland.
Founded in 2000 by Anouk Thibaud, Darwyn’s Refuge is a non-profit association recognized as a public utility by the Department of Finance, recognized by the Cantonal Veterinary Office, and representing a section of Swiss Animal Protection since December 1, 2010 (the first section with equines).
The Refuge’s mission is to :
participate in the protection of animals in general, and in particular the protection of equidae, horses and donkeys,
raise public awareness of horse and donkey abuse,
influence legislation to ensure dignified living conditions for horses and donkeys,
combat non-compliance with the laws governing the treatment and keeping of horses and donkeys,
create a horse protection league in French-speaking Switzerland.
The Refuge fulfills its mission by :
intervening, following complaints, to make an assessment, open a dialogue and propose solutions to those responsible for the dispute,
reporting unsolvable cases to the appropriate authorities,
for sequestered horses and donkeys,
taking in abused horses and caring for them to help them regain their physical and mental balance,
placing horses in foster homes where conditions meet the requirements set by Le Refuge,
helping to place horses for owners who, for various reasons, can no longer afford them,
offering services to adults and children to raise awareness of horse protection – school outings, EMS visits, educational camp, stand/boutique at equestrian events and more,
labeling stables for retired horses to ensure good care in the right facilities,
taking in horses whose owners are no longer able to maintain them, due to financial problems (illness, unemployment, divorce, death, etc.), and who fall into the category of “social cases”.
helping similar associations or foundations.
The Refuge operates thanks to membership fees and the support of various Foundations, which provide the entire material infrastructure.
The five-member Committee meets regularly to monitor and oversee the numerous tasks and actions.
The association is recognized by the SPA and cantonal veterinary services.
If you love horses, become a member of “Darwyn’s Refuge” by paying an annual fee.
