Donegal donkey sanctuary launches appeal for winter bedding and feeding

Many of the donkeys at Donegal donkey sanctuary have been subjected to “abandonment and cruelty” before they were rescued by Sandra Curran and her husband Danny. 

Over 100 donkeys are kept at the family-run sanctuary in Castledooey, Raphoe - which is open to visitors year round. 

Keeping donkeys is not cheap nor easy. Recently 12 donkeys were rescued by the donkey sanctuary from an animal hoarder in Laois. The animals that were taken by the sanctuary were found to be in very poor health - with their hooves grown out, causing the animals great pain. 

The 12 extra donkeys were not neutered by their previous owner and some of the cohort may be pregnant - Sandra stated there’s no way of knowing for sure what their status may be. 

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Sandra - the owner of the sanctuary - said that due to their coat donkeys are not waterproof as horses are, and during the winter there is little grass growing for them to eat outside. Thus, the sanctuary’s costs skyrocket this time of year. 

Year round the donkeys need their hoofs trimmed regularly to prevent overgrowth and lameness. The hoof paring is done by an expert farrier who is trained in dealing with the animals. 

The donkey sanctuary receives no money from the government - and relies solely on the generosity of the public to keep running their rescue centre.

Sandra said that despite facing great hardship in their lives, the donkeys are “very forgiving”. After a stay at the sanctuary, many of the animals learn to trust people again. 

The Donegal donkey sanctuary is currently appealing for funds to provide winter bedding and feed for the “gentle creatures”. Readers can donate to their appeal here.