Nearly 800 donkeys abandoned in U.S. drought

Abandoned donkeys recovered by Keith Gantt and his wife Karla Gantt are seen in Athens, La., Friday, March 16, 2012. / AP Photo
(AP) With pastures withered from a lingering drought, farmers in Texas and northwest Louisiana have abandoned donkeys by the hundreds.
The nation's biggest donkey rescue group says that since March 2011, it has taken in nearly 800 donkeys abandoned in Texas, where ranchers used the animals to guard their herds. Many of the cattle and goats have been sold, largely because of the drought and the nation's economic slump. That put the donkeys out of a job.
Mark Meyers is executive director of Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue, the largest such group in the country. He says the drought that began in late 2010 is over now, but the flood of donkeys is continuing. He says he has taken in 600 last year and 172 so far this year.
Popular on CBSNews.com
- Oklahoma tornado victim search efforts winding down
- Tornado's destructive path 17 Photos
- Children rescued from two elementary schools in Oklahoma 19 Photos
- Tornado victims start picking up the pieces
- Up-close video of Moore, Okla., tornado Play Video
- Oklahoma tornado as seen by storm chasers Play Video
- Brigadier general suspended over altercation with woman
- Deadliest U.S. tornadoes 10 Photos














Your comments are only a reflection of yourself.
The drought in Texas is very serious. It, in addition to fracking has left some small towns without any water. Their supply of water is having to be trucked in.
It is very sad that people have left the animals and I am sure they would keep them if they had the means to. Without water the grass doesn't grow leaving them little to eat and drink. With the rising costs of commodities most farmers/ranchers are cutting back.
----
Use 'em and lose 'em.
What scumbags.
Why I bet they do the same to man's best friend. what po s's!