Cornish Donkeys Needing Help this Winter
An animal charity has launched an urgent appeal to cover the costs of feeding its equine residents over the winter months.
Penryn-based Flicka Donkey Sanctuary needs to find £5,000 per month to cover rising winter feed bills to ensure the donkeys and horses are well-fed during the cold months. Due to an unprecendented number of animals rescued this year and cold weather closing in fast, feed expenses for the charity are due to double in the coming weeks.
Flicka’s hay, haylage and straw costs almost £30,000 per year, with two thirds of the cost applied to winter. This does not include hard feed or essential health supplements for the elderly or special needs donkeys that call the sanctuary home.
Judy Giles, Flicka Foundation Director said, “Winter is the toughest and most expensive time of year for Flicka. The grass stops growing, fields become bare and devoid of nourishment. Our elderly residents suffer the most from the cold, so they have to come up onto the yard twice a day and live in at night for special feeds and haylage. The donkeys and horses who are turned out each day also need haylage and hay so they can continue to graze and trickle feed to keep them warm, fit and healthy.”
The Flicka Foundation currently cares for over 100 donkeys and horses; all rescued from conditions of abuse, neglect and abandonment. Donkeys are intelligent, sensitive animals, but their hardy nature mean they exploited and abused worldwide. Each individual at Flicka enjoys a relaxed life, with spacious paddocks, cosy stables and equine company. Caroline Quentin lends her support as patron of the charity.
Judy added: “We spend £70,000 a year on food, bedding and veterinary care alone here at the sanctuary and there are always animals that need rescuing. It is, once again, that time of year when income is at its lowest and expense at its highest for the sanctuary. The cost of feed during the winter months doubles and we have had an unprecedented number of rescues, vet visits, farrier and dental visits this year, so we really, desperately need donations.”
To donate, visit www.flickafoundation.org.uk/winter-appeal or text WINT10 and the amount you want to give (e.g. WINT10 £20) to 70070.
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An animal charity has launched an urgent appeal to cover the costs of feeding its equine residents over the winter months.
Penryn-based Flicka Donkey Sanctuary needs to find £5,000 per month to cover rising winter feed bills to ensure the donkeys and horses are well-fed during the cold months. Due to an unprecendented number of animals rescued this year and cold weather closing in fast, feed expenses for the charity are due to double in the coming weeks.
Flicka’s hay, haylage and straw costs almost £30,000 per year, with two thirds of the cost applied to winter. This does not include hard feed or essential health supplements for the elderly or special needs donkeys that call the sanctuary home.
Judy Giles, Flicka Foundation Director said, “Winter is the toughest and most expensive time of year for Flicka. The grass stops growing, fields become bare and devoid of nourishment. Our elderly residents suffer the most from the cold, so they have to come up onto the yard twice a day and live in at night for special feeds and haylage. The donkeys and horses who are turned out each day also need haylage and hay so they can continue to graze and trickle feed to keep them warm, fit and healthy.”
The Flicka Foundation currently cares for over 100 donkeys and horses; all rescued from conditions of abuse, neglect and abandonment. Donkeys are intelligent, sensitive animals, but their hardy nature mean they exploited and abused worldwide. Each individual at Flicka enjoys a relaxed life, with spacious paddocks, cosy stables and equine company. Caroline Quentin lends her support as patron of the charity.
Judy added: “We spend £70,000 a year on food, bedding and veterinary care alone here at the sanctuary and there are always animals that need rescuing. It is, once again, that time of year when income is at its lowest and expense at its highest for the sanctuary. The cost of feed during the winter months doubles and we have had an unprecedented number of rescues, vet visits, farrier and dental visits this year, so we really, desperately need donations.”
To donate, visit www.flickafoundation.org.uk/winter-appeal or text WINT10 and the amount you want to give (e.g. WINT10 £20) to 70070.
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