Our goal: to rescue equines from distressing situations
Our Marais sanctuary permanently houses an average of 130 horses, most of whom require specialized care and constant attention. Elderly, ill, injured, severely neglected, abused, or rescued from dire conditions, these equines—who have often been through a lot—receive personalized care from our dedicated teams, for whom their well-being is the top priority.
The Marais sanctuary consists of two farms located on a 60-hectare estate.
But we don’t only have horses at the Marais: we also have 11 donkeys, 16 Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs, 6 cattle, 50 pigeons, geese, chickens, goats, sheep, two wild boars, 250 fallow deer, and 4 bears.
In total, the Marais sanctuary is home to 570 animals.
Every week, we handle dozens of abandonment requests for equines and farm animals. Owners can no longer cope with the cost of pasture rentals and the care their animals require. Boarding in riding arenas is expensive, and financially, it becomes impossible for them to keep their horses.
Our field interventions to rescue starving elderly horses have also increased in recent years, and veterinary care for our aging and disabled horses is extremely costly. The visits from veterinarians and equine dentists, frequent stays in the infirmary, and the specific treatments required for toothless horses or those suffering from arthritis, rheumatism, or lameness, weigh heavily on our monthly expenses.
At the same time, the number of seizures due to abuse continues to rise, putting additional pressure on our resources.
The Marais Refuge in Coutisse
Cases of abuse are exploding
The number of abuse cases has intensified since 2024. Our intervention teams are working hard to respond to emergency calls and cases of mistreatment.
Our mission: to urgently save, shelter, and care for animals suffering from advanced emaciation, lice infestations, exhaustion from infections, and disastrous living conditions.
The Marais refuge is now overwhelmed.
Insecurity, poverty, depression, drug addiction, and alcoholism are the causes of neglect.
We wish to denounce the irresponsibility and ignorance of the owners of these animals in distress, despite injunctions, complaints, and registered letters sent to them by the Animal Welfare Unit of the Walloon Region (UBEAW).
We thank UBEAW for its efficiency in intervening on the ground, but we must sound the alarm because our resources are limited: the Walloon Region’s Animal Welfare Unit pays us €300 per seized animal once the veterinary report is established.
This amount only covers the initial veterinary appointments and the most urgent treatments. However, for the animals in the worst condition who require long-term treatment and close follow-up, costs can reach up to €1,000 before they are fully recovered and out of danger.
Without the generosity of our donors, we could not care for these abused animals. We receive no subsidies from the Region.
Any help is welcome via our account BE48 1911 2251 7127 with the reference “Dons Marais”.
Life of the Horses at Refuge du Marais
Eight people work full-time caring for the animals housed at Marais. They maintain the property, care for and feed the animals, and provide them with the tenderness and affection they need.
To carry out all this, work starts at 8 a.m. It is important to monitor the animals’ health. Several times a day, our caretakers do rounds of the herd to immediately detect any problems. They know every resident intimately.
Our large horses, old and tired, are at risk of losing weight faster than if they were in their prime. Therefore, they have a full manger all day long. They can also go out to graze in the meadow, except during extreme frost. Those who no longer work or are ridden need to exercise by walking. Indeed, they risk stiffening if they spend too much time in their stalls! Without daily exercise, they lose muscle and could have great difficulty getting up if they lie down to sleep. They therefore have the freedom to go outside for at least three hours a day and join the group for these daily walks.
Become a sponsor for our horses
The Refuge du Marais has been facing serious financial difficulties for several years. The 132 horses housed by our association represent a cost of nearly €250,000 per year. It is therefore increasingly difficult for us to welcome new animals in distress. Our resources to ensure the care and housing of additional abandoned or mistreated horses are decreasing year after year.
That is why we are currently seeking sponsors for our sick and disabled horses, who require specific and costly care. You can discover them in the “Horses to Sponsor” tab or visit the Refuge du Marais by appointment to choose your horse to sponsor. We also organize free open house events for our sponsors.
Do you want to sponsor a horse from our Refuge du Marais?
To become a godparent of one of our horses in Coutisse, we ask for a contribution starting at €300 per year or €25 per month to account: BE48 1911 2251 7127 with the reference: “MARAIS – horse sponsorship + your name”.
Would you like to sponsor one of our 11 donkeys?
Simply donate from €250 per year or €20 per month to account: BE48 1911 2251 7127 with the reference: “MARAIS – donkey sponsorship + your name”.
Would you simply like to make a donation to Refuge du Marais?
Donate any amount you wish to account BE48 1911 2251 7127 with the reference: “MARAIS – DON + your name”.
Please note, we issue a tax exemption certificate to all our donors for donations of €40 or more per year.
The Life of Our 4 Bears at Refuge du Marais
Our Refuge du Marais is home to 4 bears, notably from the Zwartberg Zoo, which closed its doors in 1998, as well as from various bear trainers. Alfred, Cramique, Solange, and Borissette live their lives as wild animals in semi-freedom across several hectares of natural land, in a secure environment reconstructed with water points and dens.
Our caretakers watch over them daily. They feed them, monitor their health, and ensure the safety of the site. Our bears are very greedy: they love jam and devour unsold pastries generously donated by local bakeries. Full from all the treats we give them, they are docile and easily approach our caretakers, whom they fully trust.
Cramique, who escaped from the claws of a bear trainer, enjoys retirement even more after years of living under constraint and orders.
Together with Alfred, Solange, and Borissette, they are looking for sponsors or donors to help make their lives even better.
Regulations prohibit visits.
Do you want to sponsor a bear?
Simply send a monthly amount of at least €25 to account BE05 0001 2168 4375 with the reference “Parrainage OURS + your name.”
To send a donation:
Send the desired amount to account BE48 1911 2251 7127 with the reference “DON OURS.” Please note, donations over €40 spread throughout the year can be included in your tax declaration.
For more information, call us at 0474/68.50.16.