From east to west: Providing critical cross-country care

Our welfare team has been hard at work, responding to 123 donkey welfare concerns from the public between January and May this year. Thanks to you, we have the capacity to extend our help to all 32 counties. 

Your support is a lifeline that ensures we can continue offering critical care to these gentle animals.

Supporting donkeys in the east

Sally, a 15-year-old mare, and her one-month-old foal Sophie are a heart-warming example of the difference your support makes.

We first learned of their plight when Donkey Welfare Adviser Joe Prendergast responded to a welfare concern in the east.

Recalling when he first saw Sally, Joe says: “Sally’s hooves were horrendous and showed signs of laminitis, a painful hoof condition.

“Sally’s hoofs had been seriously neglected for over a year, leading to severe overgrowth. This had worsened to the point where her hooves had curled upwards, making every step painful.
 
“She was clearly suffering and needed to be examined by a vet right away. X-rays confirmed our concerns and showed extreme pedal bone damage.”

In cases as severe as this when there is such extreme hoof deformity, the pedal bone can actually rotate or move downwards within the hoof, causing pain and sometimes irreversible damage. 

Sally’s newly born foal, Sophie, was also in concerning state. Born during the peak of winter, Sophie had been suffering from the harsh wet and cold weather due to lack of shelter.

Joe says: “Although both Sally and Sophie received urgent farrier and veterinary treatment, it was evident they would require ongoing care.”

The owner agreed to relinquish both donkeys to the ISPCA, and we helped to transport Sally and Sophie to The National Animal Centre at Longford. Both have found comfort in their new warm shelter with a thick layer of bedding for soft padding.

Sally’s situation remains uncertain at this point, however, she will be continuously monitored by a vet and farrier and her welfare and comfort are prioritised above all else.

On the importance of hoof care, Joe says: “Regular and high-quality hoof care from a qualified farrier is so important to the welfare of any equine. We would encourage owners to get in touch with our welfare team and discuss how we may be able to help. Owners can also use Farriery Ireland to make contact with an experienced professional.

“Once hooves become overgrown, it can lead to internal changes that cannot be reversed. This could cause the donkey pain, which requires ongoing management and impacts their quality of life. Prevention is always better than cure.”

Supporting donkeys in the west

Meanwhile, 300 kilometres away in the west, Donkey Welfare Adviser Ciara O’Kelly responded to a welfare concern involving an eight-year-old gelding named Mouse. 

Ciara says: “Mouse was living in a challenging environment which was impacting his wellbeing. Although there were horses on the site, he was lacking a donkey companion which was causing him further distress.

“While it might be common to see horses and donkeys living together, it’s recommended to not keep them together due to their different needs and management requirements.

Ciara was also concerned by his condition and immediately contacted an external vet to the site, who then carried out a full examination of Mouse.

A local farrier was also contacted to trim his overgrown hooves and a suitable treatment was provided for his lice-infested coat.

The owner agreed the best thing for Mouse would be to find a new, experienced home.

During her search, Ciara received a request from a donkey owner residing in North Kerry. The owner was seeking help to find a suitable new home for John, their eight-year-old gelding.

The owners admitted to Ciara that they didn’t fully understand the responsibility of having a donkey and realised that his wellbeing was suffering.

Ciara says: “When I first met John he was extremely nervous and providing immediate hoof and dental care would be challenging. Gaining his trust required a lot of patience and it took multiple visits before he was comfortable enough to receive the care he needed.”

Ciara, after working closely with Mouse and John, was confident they’d thrive in a new home together. Thankfully, it wasn’t long before she found an experienced home eager to shower a pair of donkeys with love and care.

Ciara says: “Mouse and John became the best of friends right away. It’s incredible to see them adapting so fast and clearly enjoying each other’s company.

“We will continue to support their new owner, but we are confident that Mouse and John have found their forever home.”

Your love and support for donkeys enables our welfare advisers to continue their critical work on the ground and address every welfare concern across Ireland.