The Caballos de Quilmes equine hospital, one of the most important in the country, is facing a crisis that threatens its continuity. The property where it operates has been put up for sale, and its authorities have launched an urgent fundraiser to prevent eviction. The institution, besides being a refuge for horses victims of abuse, also serves as a practical training center for veterinary students.
This space serves a dual purpose: recovering animals rescued from abuse and providing practical training to future professionals. Volunteers and students work there, attending real and highly complex cases. Their work impacts not only animal welfare but also veterinary training.
Established by the NGO Libertad para los Caballos, the hospital provides assistance to equines arriving in critical condition. Most of them come from the Buenos Aires conurbation, where they were used for cart pulling tasks. There, they receive medical care, proper nutrition, and special care.
The sale of the land jeopardizes this work sustained by the solidarity of thousands of people. In less than a month, the fundraiser has collected $350 million, but the goal is to reach $1.8 billion to ensure the project’s continuity.
A Key Space for Veterinary Training
The hospital has agreements with the National University of La Plata and the University of Buenos Aires. There, students engage in pre-professional practices in an environment that allows them to face extreme cases. Thanks to this space, they can participate in intensive therapies, long-term treatments, and rehabilitation of abused animals.
Currently, the hospital cares for 82 horses, 30 of which require daily attention and medication. The most critical ones remain hospitalized in intensive care areas, while others recover in outdoor areas. Personalized care and dedication of volunteers are fundamental in this process.
Most of the equines arrive following legal complaints of animal abuse. The hospital does not attend to animals for sports or private use, focusing its efforts on those that have been victims of abuse. Their commitment is centered on rehabilitation and respect for animal life.
Saving the Hospital, a Collective Cause
The land had been loaned, but after the owner’s death, the heirs decided to sell it entirely. The NGO was given priority to acquire it, but the high cost makes the purchase impossible without community assistance. Therefore, the fundraiser is seen as a true solidarity crusade.
The project has the support of organizations like Ley de Sintientes and public figures who promote its dissemination. Despite the economic crisis, thousands of people have contributed. The challenge is to raise the necessary amount before losing the possibility of purchase.
For security reasons, the hospital does not open its doors to the public. The NGO keeps the location confidential due to the threats received, a situation reflecting the conflict generated by rescuing exploited horses.
The Importance of Public Veterinary Hospitals
Public veterinary hospitals play a fundamental role in caring for animals without resources, rescuing wildlife, and professional training. They are spaces where academic practice is combined with social commitment and animal welfare.
These institutions allow students and specialists to face real cases, improving their skills while providing essential services to the community. Additionally, they contribute to public health by controlling zoonotic diseases and promoting responsible pet ownership.
Ensuring their existence and strengthening them is key to moving towards a fairer society and raising awareness of the value of animal life. The case of the Quilmes equine hospital is a clear example of the positive impact these spaces have when education, assistance, and solidarity are combined.
