Creating a kinder future for donkeys

The fight to rescue foals

Last year, we rescued four pregnant mares and their three foals. The three foals were named were Goldfinch, Wren and Sparrow. Their mothers had been abandoned on an area of land with stallions, and what started as a few donkeys in need quickly grew to a group of 20.

By the time our welfare team were called in to help, the animals were in a terrible state - thin and weak from malnutrition, their skin damaged by rain scald and infested with lice. Had we been contacted a lot sooner by the owner, Goldfinch, Wren and Sparrow would have endured a lot less suffering.

In February 2023, the three foals were brought to our sanctuary, along with their mothers. Our dedicated farm and veterinary teams worked tirelessly, providing round-the-clock care and attention.

After their arrival, testing showed that all four mares were pregnant, and we welcomed four new additions to our sanctuary in summer 2023 – Milana, Tweety, Bluebird and Sora.

Your unwavering support and monthly donations have guaranteed a lifetime of love and care for all seven foals. With your generosity, each donkey will grow up healthy and strong. Thank you for making a difference in their lives.

A challenging year ahead

This year, we are facing new challenges as we have reached capacity for sanctuary-based care. Therefore, the urgency to prioritise preventive measures around breeding has never been higher. 

We’re facing an alarming increase in calls about neglected and abandoned donkeys in Ireland. Young foals like Goldfinch, Wren and Sparrow are particularly at risk. With a shortage of suitable homes and sanctuary-based care, controlling the birth rate is a vital step towards improving overall donkey health.

Our team of dedicated welfare advisers are committed to promoting responsible donkey ownership by offering castration services and educational courses nationwide. We believe in the importance of controlling the donkey population to ensure a healthy and sustainable future for these beloved animals.

In situations of severe neglect, it is our priority to find new homes for donkeys where they will be loved and well-cared for.

Finding solutions

Rossie and JR’s story highlights the vital role we play in providing a loving and secure environment for donkeys, particularly for newborn foals.

Over the cold winter months, we lent a helping hand to two donkeys and their unexpected foal who were sadly abandoned by their previous owner. The mare and gelding – later named Rossie and JR – were found roaming the streets and were subsequently taken under the council’s protection. Their previous owner was found but sadly expressed no interest in reclaiming them.

As we have reached capacity for sanctuary-based care, Donkey Welfare Adviser Eva Ellis worked tirelessly to find a suitable placement for the pair. Eva’s hard work and determination paid off as she was able to secure a wonderful new home for the two distressed donkeys. Rossie and JR joined two other rescued donkeys already living at the home, and they quickly settled into their new surroundings. However, it wasn’t long before they gained yet another new addition, as Rossie gave birth to a female foal.

Eva visited the owners and gladly provided valuable advice on how to care for the foal. She discussed topics such as proper handling, necessary medical treatments, appropriate feeding habits and other essential care needs. It was a relief to discover a loving new home for the three donkeys, where they will receive the proper care with our support. Sadly, not all donkeys will be as fortunate. If the foal had been born immediately following their abandonment, it is unlikely that both the mother and child would have survived.

To improve the wellbeing of donkeys, responsible breeding practices must be implemented. This will lead to fewer donkeys in need of our support and allow us to focus on finding homes for those in need. Our welfare advisers work closely with donkey owners to help them manage their breeding, but we can’t do this alone.

Will you help us work towards a kinder future for these gentle creatures?