The founders of the Donegal Donkey Sanctuary have issued a new appeal as they struggle with rising costs.
The cost of living crisis has had an impact on both expenses and income at the sanctuary outside Raphoe.
Animal lovers Sandra and Danny Curran are currently taking care of 98 rescued donkeys.
But as their autumn supplies run low, they are calling on supporters to help them buy through a difficult period.
A GoFundMe appeal has been launched for feed and bedding for the donkeys.
Sandra said: “A large number of donkeys have arrived at the sanctuary over the winter period and unfortunately foster homes are few and far between so we have watched our numbers rise steadily.
“As you can imagine organisations such as ourselves are struggling to keep going in the current financial climate. The spiralling cost of living crisis is affecting every home and family and people naturally have less to give to sanctuaries such as ourselves.
“Sadly the one constant in these changing times is the sheer number of donkeys that need to be fed and sheltered as life deals them a cruel blow through no fault of their own. This could be abandonment or sadly losing a loving family who can no longer afford to provide for their needs.”
Sandra and Danny have been running the sanctuary for the past 17 years, and it is their hope that they will never have to turn a donkey away.
Sandra explained: “Haylage, hay, straw and meal/nuggets are priced at an all time high and this of course comes at a time where diesel costs are also rocketing.
“We have had to battle to keep going from last September until now but would need the help of our wonderful supporters to get us further ‘down the road’.
“The sheer amount of rain that has fallen this month so far will delay outdoor grazing and lengthen the amount of months that we must rely on our fodder reserves. We need to plan for the months ahead and make sure that we do not let them down.”
The campaign calls for donations via GoFundMe (here) or PayPal. For further details, visit www.facebook.com/DonegalDonkeySanctuary
