Our Purpose
We rescue horses destined for slaughter, confiscated due to animal abuse, smuggling, etc., and establish shelters, which we call sanctuaries. These sanctuaries are managed by responsible caregivers, allowing the horses to live their final years in freedom, passing away in a dignified and natural manner.
Our History
Our journey began in 2019 with the firm intention of saving horses. Thanks to the support of philanthropist and Tibetan Buddhism professor Pema Wangyal Rinpoche, we have achieved the following milestones in just five years.
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1,400 Horses Saved
At Primitivo, we have rescued over 1,400 horses from a fatal fate since 2019. We rehabilitate them and offer them a new chance at life.
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90 Sanctuaries
Since our inception, we have built a network of over 90 sanctuaries, where many of our horses have been adopted into loving and permanent homes.
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Support for NGOs
Today, we collaborate with 30 NGOs across Argentina, Nicaragua, Spain, and the United States, providing resources and support to help them fulfill their mission of protecting horses.
How we operate at
National Level
We lease land, manage and care for the horses ourselves. Additionally, we certify private properties whose owners wish to collaborate and adopt. By adhering to our protocols based on animal welfare practices, these properties can welcome rescued horses. Once certified, these fields become part of our national sanctuary network.
How we operate at
International Level
We established the Global Network of Organizations (GNO), certifying organizations that operate locally. We provide financial support, internal management consultancy, and enhance the collaborative network among organizations in each country.
Collaborations with the
Uruguayan Government
INBA - National Institute of Animal Welfare
The INBA, under the Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture, and Fisheries (MGAP), is the organization responsible for promoting and ensuring animal welfare in Uruguay. Its functions include receiving reports of abuse and irresponsible ownership, implementing animal welfare education campaigns, and coordinating actions to control animal populations.
National Army - Equine Therapy School
The National Army, through its Riding School, offers equine therapy programs for individuals with various disabilities. These programs, free of charge and available at multiple centers across the country, are led by multidisciplinary teams of professionals trained at the Army’s Riding School.
Departmental Intendancies
Uruguay is divided into 19 departments, each managed by a Departmental Government. These governments, led by an elected mayor serving a five-year term, are responsible for local administration in areas such as infrastructure, public services, and land use planning.
MGAP - Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries
The MGAP is the government entity responsible for formulating and implementing policies related to agricultural production, fisheries, and animal welfare in Uruguay. Its mission includes fostering the sustainable development of the agricultural sector, promoting food security, and protecting natural resources.
Ministry of the Interior - National Police and Highway Police
The Ministry of the Interior is responsible for public security in Uruguay, overseeing the National Police and the Highway Patrol. The National Police ensures public order and prevents crime throughout the country, while the Highway Patrol specializes in monitoring and controlling traffic on roads and highways, ensuring road safety and compliance with traffic regulations.
Sanctuary "Las Ánimas"
Our House
Our headquarters are located in the Maldonado Department, amidst the Sierras de las Ánimas. This is where all rescued horses are received. Adopted horses leave from here, while the most injured or poorly conditioned remain under our care.
Rescue Costs
Rescuing a horse costs an average of $700, covering all the necessary aspects to ensure its safety and well-being.
- 70% of this amount goes toward purchasing the horse, preventing it from ending up in the slaughterhouse.
- 10% covers transportation to our sanctuaries.
- 15% is allocated to veterinary care and medications, essential for its recovery.
- 5% is dedicated to documentation and administrative costs, ensuring that each rescue is carried out legally and efficiently. Every contribution brings one more horse to freedom.
Monthly Costs
The value per horse encompasses not only the maintenance of the animals under our care, 1,400 horses, but also all the operational costs of the organization as a whole. These costs ensure that we can keep the animals in perfect condition, manage the network of sanctuaries, provide support in extreme situations, and act quickly in the face of climate catastrophes, among other efforts.
Average monthly cost per horse: $35 dollars
Legal Structure
At the national level, we are a nonprofit organization (NGO) officially recognized by the Ministry of Education and Culture (MEC) of Uruguay. We are registered with the DGI and BPS and have our own bank account with the BROU (Bank of the Republic of Uruguay).
At an international level, we operate as an LLC in the USA under the name of Primitivo Sanctuary, with a bank account through WISE (USA).
Future Projection
At Primitivo, we have clear goals for the future of the horses and our organization. To achieve them, we aim to:
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Save More Lives
Continue rescuing horses both nationally and internationally, while maintaining those already saved in perfect condition.
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Own Our Sanctuary
Acquire the land where our central office and horses under direct care are currently located. This land is currently leased.
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Natural Reserves
Create more reserves/sanctuaries where horses can live and die freely with their herds, restore damaged native ecosystems, and reintroduce native fauna that has disappeared from these areas.
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Environmental Commitment
Contribute to Uruguay’s national commitment made at COP16 to reverse and mitigate the effects of global warming. By 2030, 20% of Uruguay’s territory should be designated as a natural protected area. Currently, only 3% has been achieved since 2016.
Join our mission
Maintaining and rescuing horses, along with supporting the team that cares for them, requires resources. That’s why we need people like you, with big hearts and deep love for animals, to join our team and support us financially.
