Source:  News Release

Desperate donkeys safe after rescue

 Four donkeys in desperate need of care were rescued by international animal welfare charity The Donkey Sanctuary yesterday, after being found abandoned on a road in Armagh, Northern Ireland.

The four stallions were reported to the local police by a member of the public who was concerned for their safety.  All had been abandoned with no access to food or shelter, and were found wandering in the road hungry, wet and cold.

One donkey in particular is in a very poor state.  The four-year old skewbald is extremely thin, has overgrown and twisted hooves, and his coat is matted and covered in mud.

Marie McCormack, The Donkey Sanctuary’s welfare officer involved in the rescue, explains:

“We received a call from the police asking us to collect the four abandoned donkeys as no owner could be found for them.  I have never seen donkeys so hungry or desperate for shelter and warmth.  Normally donkeys need a bit of encouragement to walk onto a lorry, but these four walked straight on having seen the hay net at the back and tucked in eagerly.  It must have been some time since they were last fed.

“All of the donkeys are underweight, exhausted and clearly in need of care, but it is the young skewbald that concerns me most.  We rate the body condition of donkeys as being between zero and five, with zero being emaciated and five obese.  This donkey barely scores 1.5 underneath his matted winter coat. He looks a really sorry sight with very twisted and overgrown hooves that were clearly the result of quite a long period of neglect and must be causing him much pain.  Only time will tell whether he is able to fully recover from his ordeal.

“All four donkeys are now safe in the expert care of The Donkey Sanctuary, and will be checked over by a vet later today to make sure they get any specialist veterinary or farrier treatment they need.  They are now guaranteed warmth, shelter, nourishment and a secure future with the charity, and we will do all we can to give them the best chance possible of returning to full health.”

To report neglect or mistreatment of donkeys, or for free, expert advice for anyone experiencing difficulties in caring for their donkeys, the Sanctuary’s regional welfare officer for Northern Ireland, Allen Andrews, can be contacted on 07717 814946.

All of the donkeys taken in now have a sanctuary for life with The Donkey Sanctuary. The charity is funded entirely by donations and takes in an average of eight donkeys each week throughout the UK and Ireland. Call 01392 578222 or visit www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk for more information.

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