This image is published by The Donkey Sanctuary, under the terms of the Creative Commons Licence.

Val, a lovely skewbald donkey, was just left in a field on someone's land. It's hard to imagine why or how anyone could do this. The landowners did not want to keep this unexpected guest and with help from the local Garda, Val was relinquished into our care. Her feet were long, her teeth were in need of attention and she was generally in poor health. Our veterinary staff worked on all the problems she presented them with, but sadly, only a few months after her rescue she developed a kidney infection and the decision had to be taken to put her to sleep.