'Slumdog' Donkeys helped by British pensioners

Two British pensioners have devoted their lives to rescuing the "slumdog donkeys" of Delhi and even have an ambulance for the animals.

Jean and Bob Harrison, first fell in love with India when they travelled there in the 1960s, have a soft spot for the donkeys of Delhi. There are around 3,000 donkeys labouring in the city's building sites. Laden down with bricks and sandbags, many are worked until they die.



With their limited means, Jean and Bob have moved to India on a mission to bring medical care to the donkeys, as well as a little love. Their cottage at home has been let so they can afford the rent on a house in Delhi.

They have converted a donated van into a donkey ambulance, and with the help of local vet Dr Bibender the couple now spend their days scouring building sites for animals in need of urgent care.



They don't have the money to set up their own clinic, so instead pay for the donkeys they rescue to be treated at a local veterinary hospital. The animals arrive emaciated and ill. Many have open, festering wounds on their backs and legs. Within a few weeks the donkeys are unrecognisable - well-fed and strong.

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