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Donkeys rescued from bog in Coalisland. Photo copyright of The Donkey Sanctuary
Image by Donkey Sanctuary Press Images
Dramatic rescue for abandoned bog donkeys
PRESS RELEASE from The Donkey Sanctuary
9 July 2012
Four abandoned donkeys near Coalisland in County Tyrone have had a lucky escape after being rescued last week by The Donkey Sanctuary from a bog in which another donkey sadly drowned.
Staff at international animal welfare charity The Donkey Sanctuary were first alerted to the five abandoned donkeys on Thursday 5th July, when they were contacted by the owner of the land who was concerned for the donkeys’ welfare. Two mares, along with a stallion and a young foal, were rescued from the bog and taken to the charity’s holding base for safety, but tragically the fifth donkey was found dead and is suspected to have drowned after falling into a drainage ditch.
Allen Andrews, The Donkey Sanctuary’s Regional Welfare Officer responsible for Northern Ireland, was first on the scene:
“It was a harrowing sight. Not only had one donkey tragically died in what must have been a terrifying death, but all the surviving donkeys have painfully long hooves and are terribly thin. We rate the body condition of donkeys as being between zero and five, with zero being emaciated and five obese. Even from a distance, the two mares in the worst condition were at best little more than a condition score of 1. The only food available to the donkeys was the boggy grass which hid the drainage ditches full of water in which their companion had drowned.
“All four surviving donkeys are now safe in the expert care of The Donkey Sanctuary, where they will be assessed by a vet to make sure they get all the necessary veterinary and farrier treatments to aid their recovery. They are naturally all traumatised by recent events, and I am sure that it will take some time before they learn to trust again, but they are now guaranteed warmth, shelter, nourishment and a secure future with the charity, and we will do all we can to give them the best chance possible of returning to full health.”
To report neglect or mistreatment of donkeys, or for free, expert advice for anyone experiencing difficulties in caring for their donkeys, please visit www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk.
All of the donkeys taken in now have a sanctuary for life with The Donkey Sanctuary. The charity is funded entirely by donations and takes in an average of eight donkeys each week throughout the UK and Ireland. Call 01392 578222 or visit www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk for more information.
ENDS
Notes to Editor
For an interview, further information or images, please contact The Donkey Sanctuary press office on 01395 573142/573124 or mobile 07970 927778.
About The Donkey Sanctuary
International animal welfare charity The Donkey Sanctuary was founded by the late Dr Elisabeth Svendsen M.B.E. in 1969. It supports projects to alleviate the suffering of donkeys in 28 countries worldwide, including sanctuaries across Europe, where more than 15,000 donkeys and mules have been cared for, and major projects in Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Kenya and Mexico, where donkey welfare is improved through community education and veterinary work. It also provides donkey-assisted therapy for children with additional needs and therapeutic visits for elderly people in the local community from centres in Belfast, Birmingham, Ivybridge, Leeds, Manchester and Sidmouth.
For further information telephone: 01395 578222, view www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk or visit the charity’s headquarters near Sidmouth in Devon (open 365 days/free admission).
Donkey drowned in Coalisland bog. Photo copyright of The Donkey Sanctuary
Image by Donkey Sanctuary Press Images
Dramatic rescue for abandoned bog donkeys
PRESS RELEASE from The Donkey Sanctuary
9 July 2012
Four abandoned donkeys near Coalisland in County Tyrone have had a lucky escape after being rescued last week by The Donkey Sanctuary from a bog in which another donkey sadly drowned.
Staff at international animal welfare charity The Donkey Sanctuary were first alerted to the five abandoned donkeys on Thursday 5th July, when they were contacted by the owner of the land who was concerned for the donkeys’ welfare. Two mares, along with a stallion and a young foal, were rescued from the bog and taken to the charity’s holding base for safety, but tragically the fifth donkey was found dead and is suspected to have drowned after falling into a drainage ditch.
Allen Andrews, The Donkey Sanctuary’s Regional Welfare Officer responsible for Northern Ireland, was first on the scene:
“It was a harrowing sight. Not only had one donkey tragically died in what must have been a terrifying death, but all the surviving donkeys have painfully long hooves and are terribly thin. We rate the body condition of donkeys as being between zero and five, with zero being emaciated and five obese. Even from a distance, the two mares in the worst condition were at best little more than a condition score of 1. The only food available to the donkeys was the boggy grass which hid the drainage ditches full of water in which their companion had drowned.
“All four surviving donkeys are now safe in the expert care of The Donkey Sanctuary, where they will be assessed by a vet to make sure they get all the necessary veterinary and farrier treatments to aid their recovery. They are naturally all traumatised by recent events, and I am sure that it will take some time before they learn to trust again, but they are now guaranteed warmth, shelter, nourishment and a secure future with the charity, and we will do all we can to give them the best chance possible of returning to full health.”
To report neglect or mistreatment of donkeys, or for free, expert advice for anyone experiencing difficulties in caring for their donkeys, please visit www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk.
All of the donkeys taken in now have a sanctuary for life with The Donkey Sanctuary. The charity is funded entirely by donations and takes in an average of eight donkeys each week throughout the UK and Ireland. Call 01392 578222 or visit www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk for more information.
ENDS
Notes to Editor
For an interview, further information or images, please contact The Donkey Sanctuary press office on 01395 573142/573124 or mobile 07970 927778.
About The Donkey Sanctuary
International animal welfare charity The Donkey Sanctuary was founded by the late Dr Elisabeth Svendsen M.B.E. in 1969. It supports projects to alleviate the suffering of donkeys in 28 countries worldwide, including sanctuaries across Europe, where more than 15,000 donkeys and mules have been cared for, and major projects in Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Kenya and Mexico, where donkey welfare is improved through community education and veterinary work. It also provides donkey-assisted therapy for children with additional needs and therapeutic visits for elderly people in the local community from centres in Belfast, Birmingham, Ivybridge, Leeds, Manchester and Sidmouth.
For further information telephone: 01395 578222, view www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk or visit the charity’s headquarters near Sidmouth in Devon (open 365 days/free admission).
Run of the wolf
Image by Kamia the Wolf
Thunderbob in a running shot towards the camera.
