When our team in Ireland discovered three abandoned donkeys with severely overgrown hooves, we worked with the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) to help bring them to safety.
After receiving a call from a concerned member of the public about three donkeys in a worrying condition on the Sligo/Mayo border, we investigated and found the donkeys in a large field without shelter and suffering from extremely overgrown hooves.
Marie Johnston, Donkey Welfare Adviser, could see that they were in a great deal of discomfort, and she was worried to see one of the donkeys lying on the ground.
When the donkey later stood up, it was obvious that he was limping due to the pain he was in.
Regular hoof trimming should be carried out every six to eight weeks by a qualified farrier, but it was clear that these donkeys had been neglected for years and their hooves were left to grow.
As the animals had not been microchipped and registered as legally required, it is very difficult to find out who had abandoned the donkeys and left them to suffer in this way.
In order to get the three donkeys the care they so desperately needed, Marie contacted the ISPCA to schedule a time to move them.
Since our sanctuary is full, we work closely with the ISPCA and other animal welfare charities in Ireland to ensure donkeys are safe and well cared for.
Thankfully, the ISPCA were able to transport the three donkeys right away to their National Animal Centre in Longford, and Marie helped load the donkeys safely before they were taken to their new home.
Since their arrival, the dedicated animal care team in Longford have been monitoring the donkeys closely and are already seeing small signs of improvement. The donkeys will continue to receive regular hoof trimming and good dietary management to correct any issues.
The donkeys have since been named Felix, Fia and Faye.
We will continue to work closely with the ISPCA to offer our full support for further care and rehoming.
