This weekend ten donkeys and 16 horses were rescued from appalling conditions in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, by international animal welfare charity The Donkey Sanctuary.

Following a request for assistance from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), the charity stepped in to help with the mass rescue of more than sixty animals who had been shut in squalid conditions without food or water and left knee deep in their own excrement. Sadly the rescue effort came too late for some of the animals, leaving surviving horses and donkeys living next to the decomposing carcasses of their companions.

Allen Andrews,The Donkey Sanctuary’s Regional Welfare Officer responsible for Northern Ireland, describes the conditions that the animals were found in:

“On arrival at the site, it was clear that these animals had been severely neglected, and the surviving horses and donkeys were the most emaciated I have ever seen. It is common practice to rate the body conditions of donkeys on a scale of one to five – one being severely emaciated and five being obese. Some of these donkeys barely met the criteria for being a condition score one, and it was apparent their time was running out.All ten of the donkeys are now being given expert veterinary attention in the care of The Donkey Sanctuary, and we transported sixteen of the surviving horses to Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary, where they will now be cared for. Only time will tell whether these desperate animals will be able to recover fully from their ordeal.

“In crisis situations such as this, it is important that all agencies work together to securethewelfareoftheanimals. Wewere pleased to be able to respond to the PSNI’s request for assistance, and help fellow animal welfare charities with the rescue, transportation and ongoing care of the rescued animals.”

PSNI Sergeant Alison Liddle added: “No animal should be made to endure such horrendouscruelty. Thishasmadeus determined to pursue the persons responsible and make sure they are found amenable for their despicable cruelty in a court of law.”

To report neglect or mistreatment of donkeys, or for free, expert advice for anyone experiencing difficulties in caring for their donkeys, the Sanctuary’s regional welfare officer for Northern Ireland, Allen Andrews, can be contacted on 07717 814946.

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.

 

 

 

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