EDWALL, Wash. –Two dozen donkeys and mules, once destined for the slaughterhouse, have a new outlook on life.
Instead of being sent to Mexico, Rough Start horse rescue in Edwall took them in.
"You're talking horror film bad where everything bad you've heard about a slaughter house, that's what happens down there," said Rough Start Owner Kelly Altiero.
She said just like with horses, overbreeding is an issue with donkeys and mules. This leaves thousands to be sent to slaughterhouses in Mexico and Canada. But, she said mules and donkeys do not provide much meat.
"So you're taking a lot of lives for very little income," said Altiero.
She said the best use for them is to adopt them out to folks who need a stubborn yet helping hand on their farms. Altiero said they are ready for adoption right after they are checked by the vet.