After being repeatedly attacked with bottles, a young donkey called Dandy is making a good recovery since being rescued by The Donkey Sanctuary from the Poleglass area of Belfast last week.
Dandy had been abandoned on the streets and left to fend for himself until a concerned member of the public brought him into their back garden for safety. Dandy's new home then contacted The Donkey Sanctuary after discovering that people in the local area were continuing to throw bottles at him and pull his ears. Staff from the international animal welfare charity collected Dandy that same day, after his rescuers feared that he would become increasingly vulnerable over the weekend.
Jane Bruce, Welfare Officer for The Donkey Sanctuary, has seen a significant improvement in Dandy since his rescue:
“We would normally expect young stallions like Dandy to be quite feisty and playful, but when we collected him he was very timid and passive, and he walked straight onto the trailer as if he knew it would take him to somewhere that he would be safe. Although Dandy did not have any visible cuts and bruises, it was clear that his abuse had impacted upon his natural character.
“A week later, in the company of other donkeys at the holding base, and free from any threat of torment or abuse, Dandy is like a different donkey. Far from the timid creature we first saw, he is now the plucky and cheeky young donkey we would expect him to be, and has developed a habit of being quite vocal when he wants some attention. We are so pleased that his owner saw the danger that Dandy was in, and allowed us to give him the sanctuary and security that he deserves.”
To report neglect or mistreatment of donkeys, or for free, expert advice for anyone experiencing difficulties in caring for their donkeys, please visit www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk.
All of the donkeys taken in, including Dandy, 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.
For an interview, further information or images, please contact The Donkey Sanctuary press office on 01395 573097/573014, mobile 07970 927778 or via email.
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