March 1, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue Offers Disaster Preparedness Guidelines for Equines Ahead of Severe Weather
With the start of meteorological spring and potential severe weather in the forecast, Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue (PVDR) is urging equine owners to prepare now for disasters. Having a plan in place can make a difference during an emergency.
“As caretakers, it is our responsibility to think ahead,” said Kim Elger, chief operating officer at PVDR. “Emergency preparedness is not reactive. It is proactive. The time to prepare is long before disaster is on the horizon.”
Understand your risks. Identify flood or fire-prone areas on your property and map out evacuation routes, noting any that could become inaccessible. Utilize preparedness resources from local government and emergency management agencies.
Prepare your equines. Ensure each animal has permanent identification, such as a microchip or brand, and keep updated photos showing unique markings. Practice trailer loading so your animals are prepared to leave quickly if necessary. Maintain at least a week’s supply of feed and water per animal, along with an equine first aid kit stocked in consultation with your veterinarian or PVDR. Keep updated veterinary records on hand and store them in a waterproof container.
Have a disaster plan in place. Arrange transportation in advance and designate safe spaces to go. If evacuation is not possible, confirm barns and shelters are structurally sound and reinforce as needed. Keep emergency contact information for your veterinarian, local animal rescue groups, and emergency officials readily available, and conduct practice drills.
If disaster strikes, stay calm. Animals pick up on stress, so maintaining a calm and focused demeanor will keep them calm as well.
Read more about disaster preparedness here: https://donkeyrescue.org/news/pvdr-ears/disaster-planning-for-donkey-owners/
About Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue
Founded over two decades ago, Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue is the largest equine rescue in the United States. The organization is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, training, and rehoming abused, neglected, and abandoned donkeys and providing lifetime sanctuary when necessary.
February 23, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue Spotlights Major Neglect Cases During Justice for Animals Week
During Justice for Animals Week, Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue (PVDR) is highlighting two major neglect cases involving more than 160 equines, underscoring the urgent need for greater public awareness of donkey welfare.
Most recently, PVDR responded to a severe neglect case in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex involving a donkey named Casey. He was found with catastrophic leg injuries that ultimately required amputation.
“Most people are unaware that donkeys cry real tears,” said Sandra Pitcox, chief veterinary technician at PVDR. “I remember wiping Casey’s tears - tears of pain he silently endured because someone chose to neglect him.”
A specialist veterinarian was brought in for surgery, and Casey was fitted with a prosthetic limb, allowing him to move comfortably and regain his quality of life. Today, he is thriving at PVDR’s headquarters near San Angelo, Texas.
“Thanks to the dedication of our executive staff who provided the resources, and the hard work of our medical team carrying out the mission, Casey is finally able to enjoy life. He is living proof that choosing compassion changes lives,” said Pitcox.
PVDR’s work extends beyond Texas. In 2019, the organization handled a large-scale neglect case in Olancha, California, where more than 160 equines were discovered in severe neglect conditions. Five transport rigs were deployed from Texas, Arizona, and Virginia, ultimately removing 150 burros, 9 horses, and 7 mules from the facility. After intensive rehabilitation, many of those animals are now living healthy lives.
Read more about the Olancha neglect case here: https://donkeyrescue.org/projects/the-olancha-debacle/
About Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue
Founded over two decades ago, Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue is the largest equine rescue in the United States. The organization is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, training, and rehoming abused, neglected, and abandoned donkeys and providing lifetime sanctuary when necessary.
February 6, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
The Donkey History Museum is excited to announce that the annual Donkey Jamboree will be back in Mesquite, NV, on March 21 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The community is invited out for this free event, where they can meet Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue donkeys that are available for adoption, shop with local vendors, enjoy live music from the Mesquite Cafe Blues Band, meet PVDR founders Mark and Amy Meyers, enjoy games, participate in giveaways, and more.
“The Donkey History Museum has really put our small town of Mesquite on the map,” said museum staffer Barbara Hermon. “We not only get local visitors but visitors from all over the World and our annual jamboree gives us an opportunity to invite those past & present visitors to meet Mark & Amy, enjoy the festivities, and see some donkeys. It’s a smile on your face kind of day.”
“The museum has great galleries of information from the importance of what donkeys have done to help build not only America, but their importance in the rest of the World,” Hermon continued. “After touring our galleries, watching some of our movies in our theater, and enjoying the displays, photos, and of course engaging in our sluice in our mining gallery, not only does it educate, but as they leave, they let us know they will be back & they will bring people with them, and they do.”
History of the museum: Thanks to a generous grant, Peaceful Valley has opened The Donkey History Museum dedicated to chronicling the many contributions of donkeys in the World. Mark and Amy Meyers have contributed their substantial donkey memorabilia collection to the museum. Norbert Schiller has joined forces and contributed his substantial collection of international armed forces donkey-related photos to the museum to make the "War Room" the largest and arguably the most interesting of all of the Museum's galleries. No cost for admission, just off I-15 North of Las Vegas, Nevada.
