Faith, Hope and Charity find refuge at The Donkey Sanctuary this Christmas.

Three female donkeys neglected and abandoned in North Belfast have been taken into the care of The Donkey Sanctuary.

The donkeys were originally brought to the attention of the charity by a concerned individual who was alarmed at the length and distortion of the donkeys’ hooves and the apparent lack of an owner as there was no sign of care and management being shown to the animals.

One of the donkey’s hooves was so grossly long that she could barely stand, lying on the cold earth in too much discomfort to move. The donkeys were abandoned on an exposed barren area of land with no access to shelter and more alarmingly they had free access to wander unto an arterial road. No owner was identified and following collaboration with the local Council Welfare Office the donkeys were removed due to neglect for immediate veterinary referral.

The three donkeys affectionately named ‘Faith, Hope and Charity’ are now being managed at a welfare yard belonging to The Donkey Sanctuary.
‘Faith’ in particular has given the sanctuary considerable concern as she was having difficulty walking and clearly in pain. A radiograph and remedial farriery work has been actioned to try and correct the damage caused to her hooves. ‘Hope’ and her daughter ‘Charity’ have also had their hooves trimmed as well. All donkeys have been started on a nutrition and management regime.

The Sanctuary are currently providing for the donkeys' care and once they are up to optimum health they will be looking for suitable caring permanent homes for them. Full support and management advice will be provided by The Donkey Sanctuary. The sanctuary also have many other donkeys like Faith, Hope and Charity awaiting loving homes.

Please contact the Donkey Sanctuary Welfare Department on 00 353 22 49013 for more information on rehoming. The Donkey Sanctuary operates throughout Ireland reaching out to donkeys in need in every corner and county of the island.