BIGHEARTED animal lovers who are caring for 82 donkeys have been targeted for abuse.
Donegal Donkey Sanctuary took two donkeys into care last week after they were found in a horrific state with crows “eating them alive”.
One donkey was discovered with its ears missing and the other one was emaciated with open wounds that were caused by birds.
Now sanctuary co-owner Danny Curran has told the Donegal News: “We get online abuse.
“They are saying that the ears were always there and that we shouldn’t have taken the donkeys.
“We don’t malicious comments. Usually, when we take in animals, we get abuse. They are keyboard warriors.
“They tell us our treatment of the animals is wrong. We pay a good vet for professional medical treatment.”
Danny also revealed that the donkeys are taking strides in their recovery.
He warned last week that their rehabilitation would be like “coming back from war”.
But he has now revealed in a fresh update that both donkeys – named Susie and Madeleine – continue to make progress.
Sanctuary co-owner Danny Curran examined Madeline the donkey, who has no ears, when she arrived.
Susie the donkey when she arrived. Credit: Donegal Donkey Sanctuary.
Susie the donkey after loving care. Credit: Donegal Donkey Sanctuary.
Danny told the Donegal News: “We haven’t conducted hearing tests just yet on Madeleine, she has other medical priorities like her tendons that the vet is focusing on.
“Her ears have healed and have closed over and there is no infection, but we are wondering what happened to her ears.”
He added: “The girls continue to rest and gain strength. Susie’s wounds are improving slowly. She is treated with terramycin [an antibiotic] and iodine several times a day.
“She is able to stand for longer periods of time and is holding her head higher which is always a good sign.
“At this point we are happy with her progress, but she still needs help to get to her feet most of the time.
“We will continue with strong pain relief until there is significant improvement in her hooves and her wounds.
“Healing will take a long time owing to the location of the wounds as she is obviously putting pressure on them when she lies down.
“In answer to some queries around putting both girls in the one stable, Susie needs a lot of room in order to attempt to stand.
“She thrashes around and circles before getting to her feet so they could endanger one another by being stabled together.
“Their stalls are side by side so hopefully they can sense one another’s presence.
“Thank you so much to everyone who has donated, commented or called to see them.
“We but truly appreciate everyone’s concerns and support.”
They have received thousands of Euro in support since revealing their emergency medical intervention to care for Susie and Madeleine.
Danny said: “The sanctuary needs funds. We have 82 donkeys here that need care.”
Donations can be made on the Emergency Rescue Appeal DDS gofundme.com website.
More than €26,000 has been raised of a €30,000 target.