THE UPS AND DOWNS OF OUTREACH WORK

We’re now into our Autumn Outreach Programme and it seems as though we’ll be doing even more donkeys than ever before. So far this year we’re pleased that the number of extremely obese donkeys and those with horrendously long hooves has been a lot lower than previously. However, we still come across animals with these long hooves resulting in permanently internal foot damage and laminitis (a painful foot condition). One recent case is shown here; We were able to improve the shape of the hooves and make the donkey more comfortable on this occasion.

On a brighter note, although there are always difficult situations to deal with, it’s rewarding to discover that slowly, many people’s attitudes towards donkey welfare are gradually changing for the better. Many new owners are now part of our programme and are taking on-board the advice and support we are able to give them. We have seen the highest number of lovely little foals this year -so many owners of the mothers of these foals have rung us after the birth to ask what they need to feed the mare, how to take care and handle the foal, when the foal can be weaned and much more. This is a big step in the right direction and illustrates how important our work is.