Every year, unwanted foals are born and face uncertain futures. These innocent animals need your help and support to secure a brighter future. By lending a hand, you could be their lifeline and make a meaningful difference in their lives.
The fight to rescue foals
Goldfinch, Wren and Sparrow were three unwanted foals born into a desperate situation. Their mothers had been abandoned on the 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 was 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, Goldfinch, Wren, and Sparrow would have endured much 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.
All seven of these foals have a lifetime of love and care ahead of them, thanks to your unwavering support. Your generosity has ensured the healthy growth of each one of the donkey foals.
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.
Cathy Griffin, Head of Donkey Welfare says: “Since the start of the year we have received XXX number of distressing calls about neglected and abandoned foals.”
Our welfare advisors work with donkey owners to improve welfare and rehome donkeys when necessary, through private rehoming or our Guardian home scheme. Your support means we can tackle unmanaged breeding across Ireland.”
Finding solutions
Over the cold winter months, we lent a helping hand to two donkeys and their unexpected foal that 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 regrettably 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 in with their new owners. 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 well-being 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 advisors work closely with donkey owners to try and 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?
