Source:  News Release

Plea for Donations as Abandonments Increase

International animal welfare charity The Donkey Sanctuary is appealing for donations to help fund the care of rescued donkeys in Northern Ireland after increasing numbers are being abandoned on the country’s roads.  The charity has been called in to rescue a further five donkeys over the last two days, just one week after taking in nine donkeys seized by the police from a man in Douglas Bridge already banned from keeping animals.

Yesterday (Thursday 29 March), The Donkey Sanctuary rescued a nine year old stallion and two year old mare found abandoned in Dunpatrick, and a further three are being collected by the charity today after a concerned member of the public in Banbridge managed to encourage them into a nearby field.

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

“It has been a dire situation for horses and donkeys in Northern Ireland recently.  As their value at market continues to plummet, more and more are being abandoned as owners let them loose on the road rather than continue to care for them. With so many extra donkeys in our care we are issuing an urgent plea for donations to enable us to continue to rescue animals in need and provide them with a sanctuary for life. 

“We experienced a three-fold increase in the number of donkeys needing sanctuary in the UK during 2011, and the increased numbers of abandoned donkeys in Northern Ireland put a particular strain on the charity’s resources.  As a charity funded entirely by donations, every penny really does make a difference.”

The Donkey Sanctuary urgently needs donations to ensure the protection of abandoned and mistreated donkeys in Northern Ireland.  So far this year the charity has taken over 100 more donkeys and mules into its care in the UK, 18 of which have been rescued from situations of neglect or abandonment in Northern Ireland.

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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