03-25-2013 Donkeys Need Good Homes

MARCH 25, 2013.

PRESS RELEASE

ParkerCounty Sheriff’s Animal Control officers are seeking adequate homes for several donkeys.

Sheriff’s Animal Control Supervisor Karen Kessler said 11 donkeys were picked up about two months ago, after a concerned citizen spotted the herd strolling down Hardy Road in Whitt.

Kessler said the owner of the donkeys has not been found and no one has claimed them. Each of the donkeys is male, has been castrated and proved negative on a Coggins test. Two of the donkeys have been fostered until a permanent home can be established for the gelded jacks.

There is no application fee and the Weatherford-Parker County Animal Shelter is waiving all adoption fees for county residents who would like to adopt one or more of the donkeys.

“We are only asking for $25 for each of the donkeys to cover the costs of the Coggins testing,” Kessler said. “We just want to see them in permanent, adequate homes.”

Two horses are also up for adoption at the shelter. A mare with a good disposition and an 8-month-old colt were seized from a Peaster home a week ago due to extreme neglect.

Kessler said the shelter is seeking a $100 fee for the adoption of each horse to a county resident with a good home.

“There are currently no serious health issues with the horses,” Kessler said adding due to the severity of the neglect, “They are in need of proper nutrition and a lot of TLC.”

The shelter also seized six Barbado sheep, including one ram, a doe and four kids in a neglected state earlier this month from a Millsap residence. One of the sheep died due to health-related issues from the neglect.

The sheep are available through an online auction at http://www.texasauctionrealty.com

“Anyone interested in permanently adopting these animals can contact the shelter directly or come by to see them,” Kessler said.

Kessler also encourages all livestock owners to register their animals to help trace them to their owner should they get lost and to help avoid animals presenting road hazards should they escape. Registration forms can be found at http://www.parkercountysheriff.net

The shelter is located at 403 Hickory Lane in Weatherford. You may contact the shelter at (817) 598-4111.