Source:  News Release/Emma Gill

Donkey attacked with bottles is making a good recovery

After being repeatedly attacked with bottles, a young donkey called Dandy is making a good recovery since being rescued by The Donkey Sanctuary from the Poleglass area of Belfast last week.

Dandy had been acquired by a local resident as a pet for his children, and was being kept in the back garden of their property. His owner contacted The Donkey Sanctuary on 6^th July concerned for Dandy’s safety when he discovered that people had been throwing bottles at him, goading him with carrots which were then taken away, and pulling his ears.  Staff from the international animal welfare charity collected Dandy that same day, fearing that he would become increasingly vulnerable over the weekend with the possibility of more people becoming involved in his abuse.

Jane Bruce, Welfare Officer for The Donkey Sanctuary, has seen a significant improvement in Dandy since his rescue:

“We would normally expect young stallions like Dandy to be quite feisty and playful, but when we collected him he was very timid and passive, and he walked straight onto the trailer as if he knew it would take him to somewhere that he would be safe.  Although Dandy did not have any visible cuts and bruises, it was clear that his abuse had impacted upon his natural character.

“A week later, in the company of other donkeys at the holding base, and free from any threat of torment or abuse, Dandy is like a different donkey.  Far from the timid creature we first saw, he is now the plucky and cheeky young donkey we would expect him to be, and has developed a habit of being quite vocal when he wants some attention.  We are so pleased that his owner saw the danger that Dandy was in, and allowed us to give him the sanctuary and security that he deserves.”

To report neglect or mistreatment of donkeys, or for free, expert advice for anyone experiencing difficulties in caring for their donkeys, please visit www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk.

All of the donkeys taken in, including Dandy, 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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