Report a welfare concern

Brown the foal living alone before he was rescued.

Report a welfare concern

The Donkey Sanctuary has a dedicated team of staff throughout the UK, Ireland and Europe who investigate reports of cruelty to or neglect of donkeys.

Help stop donkeys suffering

As a direct consequence of members of the public getting in touch, many donkeys and mules are rescued and saved from further suffering.

If in doubt, always contact us and set your mind at rest by calling +353 022 49013 (answerphone service outside office hours).

Office hours:

  • Monday-Thursday, 9.00am to 4.30pm
  • Friday, 9.00am to 4.00pm

Checklist

Take a note of what you’ve seen, using the checklist below. You will be asked to give a detailed description of what you have seen or heard, so be ready to give the following information:

  1. Your own name, address and telephone number for our records. We treat all information in strictest confidence, but we may need to contact you regarding your report or to let you know the result of any investigation. In fact it is often very difficult for us to act on anonymous calls.
  2. The date, time and place of the where the animals are. The more exact the details of the location the easier it will be for our staff and the quicker we can attend.
  3. Detailed description of your concern. For example – how many animals are there? How old do you think they are? What are the main problems you have observed?
  4. The names and addresses of any other people who might be able to provide useful information on the animals you have seen.
  5. Any other specific information that you think might be helpful to us. For example, the registration number and description of any vehicle involved or whether there are any specific times when you have seen people with the animals.

Any photographs showing the animals and their surroundings are always useful if these can be taken safely with absolutely no risk to you, other people or the animals involved.

Contact us

If you are concerned about the welfare of any donkey, please contact us immediately.

Our staff will contact you as soon as we are able to discuss your concerns and let you know what we propose to do. We will also agree on how and when we will reply to you with information on our investigation if you would like to be kept informed.

Animal cruelty helplines

Department of Agriculture, Animal Health & Welfare Division
Email: [email protected] | Website: http://www.gov.ie
Telephone: +353 (0) 1 6072379 (Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm)

Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Email: [email protected] | Website: https://www.ispca.ie
Telephone: 0818 515 515 (Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm)

Do you have a welfare concern?