Walshie came to our sanctuary after he had been abandoned at the Tallow horse fair.
In addition to being left tied to a pole, he was extremely underweight, suggesting that he had been neglected for a long time.
When we arrived, we could see Walshie stood on his own with his head hanging low, his coat matted, and he was painfully thin.
As soon as we loaded him onto the donkey transporter, his life changed for the better.
Our welfare team arranged for Walshie to be moved to one of our farms.
Flemming's Farm has been home to Walshie for three years now, and he is an active four-year-old donkey who will always approach farm staff for a scratch behind the ears.
While Walshie has a large stature, he has maintained a healthy weight since receiving the care he desperately needed.
Today, Walshie is a happy, healthy donkey.
Following his rescue, he formed a close bond with a mule named Casey, and the pair continue to be close companions today.
In Ireland, horse fairs have a long tradition, and the noisy environment can be stressful for donkeys, so we ask people not to transport them to similar fairs across the country.
If you are attending a horse fair and are concerned about the welfare of a donkey, please contact your local authority or Garda station.
