THE importance of members of the public keeping an eye out for animals in distress was highlighted this week by the case of a donkey who was on the brink of death when rescued in a collapsed state in Co Galway.

ISPCA Inspector Karen Lyons responded to a call recently from a member of the public about a donkey in Mount Mary, Ballygar, Co. Galway.

The caller was concerned when she was out riding her horse and spotted a donkey in a field lying down in overgrown rushes and had not moved in two days.

Inspector Lyons arrived at the scene to discover a donkey in a serious collapsed state and called on local veterinary surgeon Catriona Thornton at Wyncroft Veterinary Clinic in Ballygar for urgent assistance.

David Walsh from the Donkey Sanctuary was also nearby and attended.

ISPCA Inspector Karen Lyons said: “When I arrived at the scene and first saw the donkey, later called George, my initial thoughts were it might be too late. He was so weak and thin, he was unable to stand. He had sores on his right hind leg and also between his front legs that were red raw. He could have been down for days, said Inspector Lyons. After some time, we slowly got him to his feet. Although he was very unsteady, I could see he had fight in him and a will to live. He wanted to eat and drink which I thought was a good sign.

"We removed him and brought him to Wyncroft Veterinary Clinic as he was too weak to make the journey to the ISPCA Centre in Longford. Thanks to the local veterinary practice where George spent his first three days receiving round the clock veterinary treatment until he was strong enough to be transported to the ISPCA National Animal Centre."

There was no microchip present when scanned and the ISPCA is appealing for information to help trace an owner.

"Thankfully George is making a remarkable recovery and responding well to ongoing treatment and the ISPCA would like to thank Wyncroft Veterinary Clinic and the Donkey Sanctuary on the joint rescue resulting in a good outcome for George," said an ISPCA spokesperson.

The ISPCA is taking this opportunity to remind owners that they have a moral and legal responsibility to provide for the welfare needs of the animals in their care. This includes monitoring animals for ailments and taking appropriate steps to address them if and when they arise.

Members of the public should continue to report animal welfare concerns to the ISPCA by contacting the National Animal Cruelty Helpline in confidence on 1890 515 515 or report cruelty online at http://www.ispca.ie/cruelty_complaint