Source:  News Release

Rescued Brian and Sean will be warm this winter

Two young, abandoned, donkey stallions are now guaranteed a warm winter after they were rescued last week by international animal welfare charity The Donkey Sanctuary from a derelict farm yard near Ballyclare, Northern Ireland.

The donkeys, who are both believed to be around two years old, were reported to The Donkey Sanctuary and the local police in mid October when the owner of the yard visited his property.  Both donkeys were very nervous of being handled and one was suffering from a sarcoid (a type of skin tumour) on his sheath.

Allen Andrews, The Donkey Sanctuary’s Regional Welfare Officer responsible for Northern Ireland, worked with the local police to rescue the donkeys:

“When I arrived it was clear that these young donkeys were nervous of people and could not have had a lot of human contact.  Both were thankfully in a reasonable body condition which indicates that although abandoned they had at least had access to adequate food and water.  This may not have been the case over the coming harsh winter months, so they are lucky to have been spotted sooner rather than later.

“As no owner could be found, the decision was made with the local police to take the donkeys to The Donkey Sanctuary’s holding base in County Tyrone.  We have no information about their background, or how long they may have been abandoned, but they are now guaranteed a warm and safe future in the care of The Donkey Sanctuary.

“Since coming into our care, both donkeys have been given names with which to start their new futures.  The paler coloured donkey has been named Sean after the police constable involved in his rescue, whilst the chocolate brown stallion has been named Brian after a valued supporter of The Donkey Sanctuary.  When Brian Bevens sadly passed away earlier this year, his friends at the residential home where he spent his later years asked if a rescued donkey could be named in his memory, and we have gladly done so. 

“Sean and Brian are now being cared for by staff at our County Tyrone holding base, where we are pleased to see them settling well into their new lives and becoming more and more trusting of people.”

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, including Brian and Sean, now have a sanctuary for life with The Donkey Sanctuary.  The charity, including its holding base in County Tyrone, 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.

The Donkey Sanctuary runs a foster scheme where younger, healthier donkeys relinquished to the charity can enjoy the individual love and attention they experience from being in a private home.  This scheme is especially valuable at a time when the economy has prompted an increase in the number of animals relinquished to the charity.  If you think you could provide a loving home for a pair of donkeys, or would like to find out more about the charity’s foster scheme, please visit www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/fostering or contact the Welfare Team on 01395 578222.