This is a subscriber-only article
It looks like you're browsing in private mode
DAVID Walsh, donkey welfare adviser with The Donkey Sanctuary was recently contacted by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in Mayo seeking assistance with a donkey welfare case in South Mayo.
Sixteen donkeys in very poor body condition were seized by the department and removed into the care of The Donkey Sanctuary.
These neglected donkeys were abandoned in a field with no food and no access to water. Recent harsh winter weather conditions meant the field they were in was water logged. Alongside the live donkeys, the carcass of a dead donkey was also discovered.
According to David: ‘These donkeys were abandoned with no food or water. They had resorted to drinking water from puddles and were trying to eat tree branches because they were so hungry. To see these lovely animals huddled together in misery with a dead donkey in plain sight is horrific’.
One of the rescued donkeys being unloaded on arrival to The Donkey Sanctuary after being rescued from South Mayo
All of the rescued donkeys are male with ages varying from two to 20 years. The majority have very long hooves and walk with great difficulty and pain. Many of the group are severely underweight and it will take time and care to return them to their correct weight. All of the donkeys’ coats are matted and filthy and they were a sorry sight to behold.
Noel Carton, Head of Operations Ireland said: ‘We are grateful to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in Mayo for alerting us to the presence of these donkeys. We can now begin the process of getting them back to full health at The Donkey Sanctuary’.
The donkeys have been transported to The Donkey Sanctuary in Liscarroll, Mallow, Co Cork. Here they will be fully assessed and monitored by the veterinary team. Their hooves will be trimmed by the farrier and their teeth will be checked by the equine dental technician. They will be cared for and restored to full health and a brighter future at The Donkey Sanctuary.
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 http://www.thedonkeysanctuary.ie/
SHARING OPTIONS: