20 donkeys abandoned in tragic Galway case

In recent months and years, our charity has talked about the significant challenges caused by the deepening donkey welfare crisis in Ireland.

We have made space available, wherever possible, for pregnant mares and foals, while working hard to provide community-based donkeys and their keepers with rehoming and prevention services. In the past two weeks, eight donkeys have been rescued and rehomed following intervention from The Donkey Sanctuary Ireland’s welfare advisers. 

Four pregnant mares and three foals arrived at our sanctuary facilities in March after a complex rescue operation. Sadly four had to be euthanised on-site, on health and welfare grounds. Sadly, one donkey was found dead on arrival.

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A further eight were left on-site but we continued working with animal welfare organisations to identify any viable rehoming solutions and thankfully have now been rehomed having received vital food and medical attention. This has come to fruition thanks to the relentless work of The Donkey Sanctuary Ireland’s welfare advisers.

“This case is a significant moment, but not unexpected,” commented Laura Foster, Director at The Donkey Sanctuary Ireland.

“We have been talking publicly for some time about the unsustainable demand for our welfare services, which now far exceeds our capacity for sanctuary-based care.”

“With over 1,700 equines in our care, we must be able to focus on caring for their needs, as well as doing what we can to prevent and end suffering in the community,” Laura explained.

“Although we expect the Galway case to be the last time we are able to bring new donkeys into our care for the foreseeable future, we will be as busy as ever providing support, advice and rehoming services to donkeys across Ireland.” 

Commenting on the prospects for future donkeys in need, Laura explained that prevention and legal deterrents are the only sustainable solution for all agencies involved in animal welfare. “We will be increasing our education and support activities to reach as many donkeys as we can. However, this work can only be effective alongside robust law enforcement, which is why our relationship with government veterinary inspectors, the Gardaí, and the ISPCA, is so important. 

“We must also tackle the donkey population issue through castration and effective end-of-life decision-making. Too often, we see suffering that could have been prevented or stopped much sooner.”

Unfortunately, had we been contacted a lot sooner this case could have been dealt with, and due to unmanaged breeding, there would have been eight fewer donkeys involved. Intervention is a key step to a positive outcome. While we will continue to help donkeys in need where possible, we need your help to continue this incredibly important work. If you are concerned for the welfare of a donkey(s), please contact our Welfare team immediately.