Condition stable Three donkeys found in 'severe state of neglect' rescued after being abandoned in Sligo

Three donkeys found in “severe state of neglect” have been rescued by ISPCA after being abandoned in Sligo. 

The trio, named Felix, Fia and Faye, are receiving long overdue care and attention in the ISPCA’s National Animal Centre in Longford.

They were rescued after a member of the public contacted the Donkey Sanctuary to alert them to the abandoned animals.

The ISPCA said that the extent of the hoof growth was “indicative of years of neglect” as the abandoned animals were in a lot of pain and discomfort and struggled to walk.

The donkeys were not micro chipped and registered as legally required, so an investigation is finding it difficult to identify those responsible for their neglect and abandonment.

“Sadly these donkeys would have endured countless days, weeks, months and years of extreme discomfort, as a result of negligence by their previous owner,” ISPCA Senior Inspector Kevin McGinley said.

“They had no quality of life as they had been neglected for such a long time.”

“They are in ISPCA care now and will receive the desperately needed farrier treatment, which they previously would not have known.”

The ISPCA and the Donkey Sanctuary worked in collaboration, seizing the donkeys to prevent further suffering.

“Our dedicated animal care team have been monitoring the donkeys and we see small signs of improvement in their gait already,” ISPCA Centre Manager, Trish Spargo said.

“It’s really sad that they had to suffer so needlessly and it was distressing to see them in such pain when they first arrived.”

“The level of neglect they would have endured over such a long time was unimaginable and could have so easily been prevented, with basic animal husbandry and routine care,” she added.

“Regular hoof trimming by a qualified farrier is recommended every six to eight weeks, which would also identify any hoof problems and correct any issues along with good dietary management.”

The donkeys will remain in ISPCA care along with many other animals until they have fully recovered.

They will find them new homes, where they will be loved and cared for, for the rest of their lives.