ON New Year’s Eve, a forlorn and neglected donkey took a few uncertain steps onto a trailer and to his new life in the care of The Donkey Sanctuary Ireland, whose headquarters is based in Mallow, Co Cork.

In the last few days of 2017, one of our donkey welfare advisers responded to a call from a member of the public who was very concerned about a donkey with extremely long hooves.

Donkey welfare adviser, Jane Bruce attended the location to discover a donkey in a shocking state of neglect. The donkey’s hooves were at least three times the length of a normal hoof. The donkey was very nervous and it was clear that he had very little positive social interaction. When he hobbled about the field he had to lift his legs high to try and avoid the hooves becoming entangled.

Jane was extremely concerned for the donkey’s welfare and immediately contacted the on call Council Welfare Officer who attended and actioned seizure of the donkey. The donkey was administered pain relief to make him comfortable for his journey and following collaboration with the relevant authorities the donkey now named ‘Echo’ came into our care. Echo is just three years old and it is possible that his hooves may not have been trimmed in his lifetime.

Jane said: “The neglect of Echo’s hooves stands out as one of the worst cases that I have witnessed. The donkey was in considerable pain and discomfort when I found him. To alleviate the pain in his hooves, he was shifting his weight about and walking appeared very uncomfortable.”

Since being seized, Echo has undergone veterinary assessment. His hooves have been x rayed and he has had his first trim to remove all the excess hoof horn. He is currently on pain relief to help him adjust to the new angle of his hooves and this will be followed up by a second ‘shaping’ trim. With continued farriery and veterinary treatment, we are positive for good progress for Echo.

The Donkey Sanctuary Ireland is a registered charity (Charity Reg. No. 20032289). If you would like to make a donation to help us care for the donkeys that need us most, please call us on 022 48398 or visit www.thedonkeysanctuary.ie