Full donkey rescue struggling to rehome animals

A donkey sanctuary has said it has too many animals for its site and is "struggling" to find homes for them.

Durham Donkey Rescue largely takes in rescues from across north-east England.

The charity is currently looking after 24 donkeys, though only really has capacity for about 20.

Its head Ian Emmerson said: "We've only been a charity for two years and it's been non-stop trying to build new shelters and make things work."

He said the charity was "strict" on where they rehome donkeys, adding: "When you've got the right person, they will take notice what you say."

Mr Emmerson started the charity two years ago after retiring and had wanted the work to be part-time, but it was now taking up most of his days.

He said the charity only rehomes with people who already have donkeys or can take them in pairs.

"When you put a donkey that's been on their own with another donkey you can see it almost lift them," he said.

"Hopefully [the number] last year was just a blip... because otherwise it would be dangerous and I don't know whether we would be able to cope."

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