‘An excellent end result’ for greater than 70 donkeys as advanced rescue case concludes

A “advanced” multi-agency rescue case has concluded, with greater than 70 donkeys signed into the care of The Donkey Sanctuary earlier than Christmas.

In February 2021 the RSPCA led the rescue operation at a farm in Wales, with assist from The Donkey Sanctuary, Redwings, World Horse Welfare, the British Horse Society and Bransby Horses.

The case was the most important in The Donkey Sanctuary’s historical past, and a spokesman stated the donkeys had been in “various levels of misery”, many affected by points referring to “badly overgrown hooves and unsanitary dwelling circumstances”.

“Many within the group, which included 20 pregnant mares, required pressing veterinary, farriery and dental care – all of which had been supplied by The Donkey Sanctuary,” a spokesman for the charity stated.

This month the switch of authorized possession to The Donkey Sanctuary has concluded following three years of authorized proceedings. This implies all of the donkeys, together with the foals born for the reason that rescue, “can now be assured of a protected dwelling for all times”.

“People who require specialist, lifelong remedy will stay at The Donkey Sanctuary whereas for the others, this authorized milestone means they’ll now start in earnest their journey towards discovering perpetually properties by means of the charity’s rehoming scheme,” stated the spokesman.

Hannah Bryers, head of welfare at The Donkey Sanctuary, stated the case is a “improbable instance” of a number of organisations working collectively to make sure the “greatest long-term end result” for the donkeys.

“Accommodating such numerous donkeys at brief discover was not a simple activity however groups from throughout The Donkey Sanctuary got here collectively with out query to make sure we may supply a spot of security when these donkeys wanted us most,” she stated.

Religion Burden, the charity’s government director of equine operations, added: “It is a nice end result for the donkeys concerned in what’s the largest UK rescue The Donkey Sanctuary has undertaken in its 54-year historical past.

“Though they’ve been in our care for the reason that day of the rescue, protracted authorized proceedings meant the way forward for most of the donkeys was in limbo. The courtroom ruling that every one donkeys concerned ought to stay in our care is a large aid to our workers and supporters. To have secured a protected future for these donkeys is due to the shut collaboration of various companies, who got here collectively at a time of utmost urgency.

“After all, it wouldn’t have been doable with out the unwavering assist of the individuals who allow The Donkey Sanctuary to hold out the work that we do, so we might be there for donkeys who’re most in want.”

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H&H senior information author

Since becoming a member of H&H in 2018, Becky has lined a broad vary of equestrian information together with welfare issues, veterinary research, FEI Tribunal hearings and highway security campaigns. She has additionally interviewed prime riders together with Scott Brash, John Whitaker and Ian Stark, to call just some. Becky’s reporting has taken her to Canada for Spruce Meadows and France for Pau five-star, in addition to the Royal Highland and Blair Fort Worldwide Horse Trials nearer to dwelling. She was additionally a key a part of the distant reporting group for the Tokyo Olympics and the Europeans.