Broken - The Brick Kiln Donkeys of Egypt
Directed by Andrew Telling26m[Documentary](/on-demand/category/documentary), [Short](/on-demand/category/short)
In October 2023, actor and animal activist Peter Egan embarked on a journey to the Al Gisa desert in Egypt with Safe Haven 4 Donkeys. There, he bore witness to the appalling cruelty inflicted upon the kiln donkeys by the brick kiln workers. Subjected to whipping, beating, and neglect, these donkeys toil tirelessly, hauling carts for 12 hours daily, all under the relentless Middle Eastern sun. The brutality is particularly egregious, considering that the natural temperament and physiology of donkeys make them susceptible to exploitation for easy and inexpensive labour. This film serves as a poignant window into a largely unknown world. It not only reveals the harsh conditions these animals endure but also exposes the shocking reality of the people working at the kilns-some as young as ten years old. These individuals lack awareness of animal welfare, sentience, and understanding of the patient and enduring nature of these animals. Remarkably, the documentary highlights the exceptional efforts of Safe Haven 4 Donkeys, in collaboration with their partners from the Atan Mobile Veterinary Team and the El Gesr Foundation. Together, they perform extraordinary work, rescuing donkeys from the brink of death and transforming their lives from one of suffering to health in a matter of hours-an experience that must be seen to be believed. Without the dedication of these compassionate individuals, many more donkeys would simply fade away, succumbing to the injuries endured in the harsh realities of the Egyptian brick kilns-malnourished, dehydrated, beaten ...and broken.
