Shropshire donkey rescue fund in need of kick-start

Torrential rain over the summer has left an already struggling animal sanctuary in Shropshire teetering on the brink of closure, it has been revealed.

Donkey Rescue UK in Billingsley, near Bridgnorth, has been closed to visitors due to repeated downpours leaving the ground waterlogged. And donations have also dropped after many fundraising events were cancelled.

The charity also takes on other animals from across the country when other rescue centres have been forced to turn them away.

Bosses have issued a desperate plea for support from the people of Shropshire to make sure they can continue caring for animals.

Donkey Rescue UK has rescued more than 50 donkeys in the past three years, and was also involved in the rescue of a Russian para-sailing donkey.

Amanda Ball, founder of Donkey Rescue UK, said the centre had always faced a battle to secure funding but added the weather had compounded the problem.

She said: "Donkey Rescue UK is appealing for help from supporters and animal lovers to help raise funds for the Bridgnorth based rescue centre.

"The heavy rain, and lack of summer has meant that the steam fairs and agricultural shows have been cancelled – causing the charity's main source of income to be cancelled with it, with donkeys usually attending shows and events."

"In the current climate, all charities are suffering with loss of donors and we are all fighting for support.

"Although donations are down, the need to help animals is on the increase.

"Animal charities all over the UK are full to bursting point and if we can help take in an animal in need we will.

Anyone who would like to help raise funds for Donkey Rescue UK or post a donation can do so by sending it to Donkey Rescue UK, Brickyard House, Billingsley, Bridgnorth, WV16 6PH.

By Simon Hardy