Gardai are investigating a "serious case of neglect and cruelty" of a donkey found on the Cavan-Longford border.
The animal was discovered after being abandoned in field at Killcogy, County Cavan on Tuesday evening.
The donkey was in a "distressed state" and unable to walk on its hooves because they'd overgrown and curled up.
Gardai established that it was left in the field in the townland of Tullygullion without the permission of the landowner.
An investigation has been launched by Granard Garda Station to identify who owns the donkey and who left it in the field.
The donkey was taken in by the Hungry Horse Outside sanctuary in Newtown Forbes.
Hilary Robinson from the Longford animal charity said this "was a serious case of neglect and cruelty", but added that this little donkey's future is now bright and will hopefully be rehomed after being given the appropriate care.
