Donegal Donkey Sanctuary appeals for donations ahead of winter months

Harsh winter and hot summer had adverse effects on resources for the rescued donkeys

The Donegal Donkey Sanctuary in Ireland is currently appealing for donations to help feed and bed nearly 100 rescued donkeys throughout the upcoming winter.

“At the onset of winter, we are seeking help to meet upcoming feed costs,” said Sandra and Danny Curran, the owners of Donegal Donkey Sanctuary in Raphoe, Co Donegal.

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Paddy Jack the donkey

Read More: Irish donkey sanctuary pleads for support as over 70 donkeys face uncertain futures

The Currans have set up a GoFundMe seeking to raise €10,000 to provide for the vulnerable donkeys ahead of the unpredictable Irish winter.

They explained how last year’s long and wet winter, along with a particularly hot summer, had an adverse effect on the available food supply for the donkeys.

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Bailey the donkey

“Grazing in the paddocks was only possible at the end of May and was closely followed by the heatwave which saw temperatures rise to thirty degrees plus,” said Sandra Curran.

“While this weather is welcomed by most people, it was catastrophic for grass growth as many farmers will testify, and, yet again, donkeys had to be fed hay and haylage instead of grazing freely.”

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The Currans added that for this year, “Available supply is set to be very expensive and will place a huge strain on our financial resources.”

Donegal Donkey Sanctuary is currently home to 93 donkeys currently, with 9 having arrived in only the last month. Six of the newly arrived donkeys were rescued from the threat of being euthanized.

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4 of the donkeys rescued over the past month

“Without Donegal Donkey Sanctuary’s offer of a safe home, they would have ended their short lives by lethal injection.”

The Currans added that they never know when a donkey may need rescuing. Often, donkeys are removed from locations where they are being abused or neglected, or surrendered by owners who can no longer care for them.

One donkey currently being cared for is Bonnie, who suffers from Lyme disease which has severely impacted her ability to stand and walk. When her previous owners were unwilling to pay for her care, Bonnie was surrendered to Donegal Donkey Sanctuary. The Currans say Bonnie is “one courageous girl” who defied initial veterinary opinion and has made steadfast improvement while at the Sanctuary.

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Bonnie when she first arrived at the sanctuary

In July, the Sanctuary celebrated the second birthday of their ‘miracle boy’ donkey Timmy. Visitors came by to celebrate with birthday cake and tea to help raise donations for the sanctuary’s mission.

Planning a visit to Donegal? Be sure to call into the Donegal Donkey Sanctuary to meet the rescued donkeys and learn more about the sanctuary program from rescuers Danny and Sandra Curran. Entry is free but donations are always welcome.