Barnhill Donkeys Retreat faces challenges from influx of abandoned donkeys near Penrith

Barnhill Donkeys Retreat near Penrith in Cumbria is facing significant challenges as it attempts to care for an influx of abandoned donkeys over recent months.

The sanctuary has been dealing with a sudden increase in mistreated donkeys arriving at its gates since December, many of which show signs of severe disease and neglect.

The donkeys are often abandoned, in the middle of the night, on the single track road just outside the sanctuary.

Many of the donkeys are come in with critical injuries such as skin disease, liver disease, eye problems, and foot issues, requiring intensive veterinary care.

Linda Gilbert is from the sanctuary, she said: "We take in donkeys that have been abused, treated cruelly and then abandoned.

"What they do is dump them through the night, it's dangerous. If someone drives along, and suddenly a donkey comes through your windscreen, it's just so irresponsible.

"Every donkey here has been subject to abuse and cruelty.

"They've got injuries that have not been treated. Since before Christmas we've had 14 donkeys, mainly dumped on this road.

"There's a mother and daughter pair, they have serious liver disease, chronic illnesses, a hooked tooth so they can't eat. We've another two weeks to see if we can turn one around or we will have to put her to sleep. That's what we get here.

"To be honest it's heartbreaking. Some can't eat, they've been so abused. We've been sat in a stable hand feeding some. It's heartbreaking to see. They are such affectionate animals."

Now with the influx of injured donkeys, the sanctuary is in desperate need of donations.

Linda continued: "Hay, feed, farrier, vet bills have quadrupled. Not so much due to the number of donkeys, it's the problems, the abuse they've had, it's a challenge to put them back and get them right."