Shropshire Donkey Rescue based at Billingsley, near Bridgnorth is appealing to members of the public for donations towards the treatment of their latest rescue.
“Big Jessie” - a large European donkey - arrived at the sanctuary a few weeks ago after being rescued from abroad. She has scarring on her legs and around her neck from where she has been hobbled. Hobbling is common practice overseas, where the donkey’s legs are bound together with ropes or chains and then tied around their neck to prevent the animal from walking away when it is not being used for work. They can spend their whole lives being kept like this, and are often only released for a few hours a day to carry and move loads, before being hobbled again.
“Big Jessie” is now suffering from chronic joint pain and ligament damage, and finds it difficult to stand up for long and move from place to place.
Amanda Ball, founder of Shropshire Donkey Rescue said “Big Jessie is such a gentle, kind lady. She allows us to carry out any treatment on her without any question – she is very trusting considering all she must have been through”
“Big Jessie” currently needs strong painkillers every day just to help her stand, and the cold weather has made her joints even more painful. “Jessie deserves the chance to be happy, and we are hoping to raise enough money to be able to afford all the complex treatment she needs to help relieve her pain – with x-rays and surgery, this could run into thousands of pounds. We understand that times are hard, but we are hoping that the generous members of the public and our supporters may be able to help achieve this to give Jessie a better quality of life”
The sanctuary will be open every Sunday from Easter 2010, when visitors will be able to meet “Big Jessie” and other well known characters like “One Eyed Jack”.
Donations can be made by sending a cheque to Shropshire Donkey Rescue, Brickyard Farm, Billinglsey, Bridgnorth, WV16 6PH or visit the website www.shropshiredonkeyrescue.co.uk.
|
|
