Twelve Weary Souls

A couple of weeks ago we brought 12 donkeys into our care on the one day. This is definitely the largest number to ever arrive at the sanctuary at the one time. Sadly they came from an animal hoarding situation in Co Leitrim with many other animals involved, including dogs, cats, ponies, horses and parrots. All have been removed to safety by relevant rescue organisations. The group of donkeys is made up of one gelding and eleven mares including three or four little ones which appear to be around one year old. It is also possible that the mare’s are pregnant again as they were running with three stallions. All had severely overgrown hooves and were in urgent need of worming.

They are doing well in our care but it will take many months to gain their trust as most are very frightened of people. The gelding who we have called Nugget is causing the most concern as he is very thin and frail and it was thought best to bring him indoors for special feed, love and attention. It is unfortunate that people do not neuter/geld the animals in their care in order to prevent a situation like this from overwhelming them and their resources. At the end of the day it is the animals that pay the price. We are just so delighted to have them in our care in order to give them a second chance for happiness.