The donkeys are suspected to have been abandoned, and after assessment by the welfare officers, a fourth animal has been put down. Equine Welfare Network are pleading for anyone who can help to get in touch as they are not in the position to care for the animals. 

Kerri Fitzpatrick, founder of Equine Welfare Network said, “Due to us having no funding and struggling to cover the bills for the 12 rescues we currently have in our care, we are unfortunately not in a position to offer them space. For each equine that comes into our care we are faced with initial costs in the region of £200 to cover vet check, passport and foot care – before feeding costs. Unfortunately one of the donkeys has had to be put to sleep, and we urgently need to find homes for the other three donkeys.”

 “Most equines that arrive have experienced neglect and trauma and require extensive rehabilitation before they would be ready to find new homes. We work closely with other charities to put the welfare to the forefront and to enable the sharing of resources but all agencies are facing crisis due to funding and available space,” said Kerri. 

Current legislation means that when equines are abandoned after 14 days, they become the land owners responsibility but in this case, the land owner is understandably not in the position to look after them. 

If anyone can help out, get in contact with Kerri, on equinewelfarenetwork@gmail.com or call 079 34590022.