Donegal Donkey Sanctuary issues appeal to help save almost 100 animals

The Donegal Donkey Sanctuary has launched a fundraiser to save 98 animals due to supplies of feed and bedding running "dangerously low".

The animal shelter, which is run on a family farm near Raphoe, has issued the appeal after "a large number" of donkeys arrived over the winter months.

The increase has been due to abandonment or owners no longer being able to provide for them due to rising costs.

The sanctuary, which is operated by the Curran family, is now appealing to the public in efforts to raise €10,000.

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“We are running dangerously low on feed and bedding supplies having secured both in early autumn,” Sandra Curran said in the appeal, adding that the shelter is struggling to keep going in the current financial climate.

"In 17 years of operation, we have never had to turn a donkey away and this is not something we plan to do in the immediate future."
The price of haylage, hay, straw and meal is at an all-time high and the sanctuary is also dealing with higher fuel costs, she said.
Heavy rainfall in recent weeks will lengthen the amount of time the sanctuary has to rely on its reserves of fodder.
"We need to plan for the months ahead and make sure we do not let them down."
Donations to the appeal can be made here.