A Cumbrian donkey sanctuary has contacted the police after three animals have been dumped on its doorstep.
Barnhill Donkeys Retreat, at Shap, said it was the worst case of cruelty and neglect it had ever seen.
One of the donkeys could not walk due to the condition of her feet, was malnourished and had lice.
Linda Gilbert, of the retreat, estimates it will take over a year for her feet to repair.
The donkey, now called Mary, was dumped on the retreat’s doorstep on March 20. Just a week later, another animal was left.
The black donkey was malnourished and its coat was matted. And on Friday, a third donkey was dumped and had a wound on the base of her tail.
The sanctuary said it had reported the abuse to Cumbria police because they were the worst cases it had seen.
Linda said: “Donkeys don’t have a voice of their own, so cannot shout out about the abuse they suffer.
“It is my job to be that voice and to raise awareness and tell people about what they go through.”
Barnhill Donkeys Retreat has rescued and rehomed over 300 donkeys since it was set up in 2003.
is run completely voluntarily and relies on donations to care for the animals.
The retreat said its weekly running costs were:
- Bedding – £105
- Feed – just over £200
- Vet and farrier – on average £200 to £400
- Visit its website here for more information about its work and you can donate here
