Source:  News Release

Donkeys rescued from owner banned from keeping animals

In the same week that Lanarkshire woman Kathryn Brady was prosecuted for the neglect of donkeys, The Donkey Sanctuary has rescued nine donkeys from a Douglas Bridge man found to be already serving a 10 year ban from keeping animals.  The donkeys found at the property near Castlederg in Northern Ireland are severely underweight and suffering with painfully overgrown hooves.

Staff from international animal welfare charity The Donkey Sanctuary were alerted to the plight of these nine donkeys, who were being kept with 30 ponies, after complaints were made about their condition to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.  Acting under the instructions of the police, the donkeys were removed from the property and taken into the care of The Donkey Sanctuary.

The Donkey Sanctuary’s regional welfare officer responsible for Northern Ireland, Allen Andrews, explains the situation:

“The nine donkeys and 30 ponies were discovered at a property in Douglas Bridge after a member of the public raised concerns for their welfare.  In keeping the animals, I understand that the owner is contravening an existing ten year ban which prohibits him from keeping any animals.  The donkeys, mostly young colts aged between 1-3 years old, were signed over to The Donkey Sanctuary on site and taken to one of our holding bases to receive veterinary attention and ongoing care.

“All of the donkeys have overgrown hooves and are underweight – classic signs of the neglect that these young donkeys have endured.  We rate the body condition of donkeys as being between zero and five, with zero being emaciated and five obese.  Two of these donkeys barely score 1.5 and are a cause for particular concern. 

“All nine 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, please visit www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk.

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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