An animal sanctuary owner has sent out a Christmas SOS for a home for a donkey called Mary who is in foal.
‘Mary’ is one of four donkeys that will be put down for Christmas if homes are not found for them.
The owner of the Donegal Donkey Sanctuary, Danny Curran, said he simply has no room at his ‘Inn’ at the sanctuary in Raphoe.
The abandoned donkeys were found wandering in St Johnston this week by Gardai.
Gardai say the animals will have to be destroyed if they are not rehomed.
Mr Curran told Donegal Daily he is already full to capacity with 54 donkeys at his stables.
However he says he will clean and check the donkeys and drive anywhere in the country to find them a new home.
“I basically have no room at the Inn for Mary and the three wise men as we have called them.
“I would never turn an animal away but we are simply bursting to capacity.
“If we do not find homes for them, they will have to be put in the pound and then destroyed over Christmas,” admitted Danny.
The sanctuary owner, who started caring for donkeys five years ago, says anyone with even a small bit of land and some shelter could keep the donkeys until a longer-term home is found.
“One of the donkeys, Mary, is in foal and will need to be looked after.
“But the other three, the three wise men, are all in good condition. Even if we can get temporary homes over the Christmas period, then we can get something sorted in the New Year,” he said.
And Danny adds that he is prepared to drive anywhere in the country to make sure the donkeys are saved for Christmas.
“I think it’s very touching at this time of year that we can’t find a home for a donkey in foal considering Mary was carried by donkey to Bethlehem.
“Donkeys are the kindest of creatures and I will drive anywhere to make sure these four donkeys have a good home this Christmas,” said Danny.
Meanwhile Danny said demand for his services are only going up every year.
The sanctuary, which is run completely on voluntary contributions, has plans to build five more stables and a small visitor’s centre in the New Year.
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