AP/ March 29, 2012, 3:23 PM

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.

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.

© 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
10 Comments Add a Comment
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euge005 says:
And the GOP denies that their ias any global climate change, which just one more reason they are infit for public office, no honesty. But as for these animals, send them to Afganistan. The folks there would love to have them.
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aTXHowdy says:
@liberalmike

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.
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euge005 replies:
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Was it when W was governor that they delisted oil in the gound water as pollution, or before that?
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cbs_bull says:
Poor donkeys. Some people need to cover their ***** after using them ...
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FormerUSMCSergeant says:
ranchers used the animals to guard their herds
----

Use 'em and lose 'em.

What scumbags.
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VeganBonnie replies:
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Well said, Sergeant. Scumbags indeed. Donkeys are precious, gentle creatures who deserve a better fate.
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mlwagg says:
I can take 2 more...if you transport
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makemyday2day says:
Very sad. I know of a couple therapy riding programs (especially for kids with disabilities) that are using donkeys in addition to horses. They're actually often better natured than ponys and a great option for kids who wish to ride AND have the room at home to accommodate them. Only wish I had the time, money and space to make a home for a few of them.
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liberalmike says:
yea texas repubs don't care about animal welfare and they always slam PETA every chance they get.

Why I bet they do the same to man's best friend. what po s's!
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liberalmike replies:
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just get rick perry to pray for more rain!