Theft of trailer wheels hampers animal welfare charity

THE theft of all four wheels used from a trailer near Ballina has sickened and angered local animal welfare activists.

Volunteers from the North Mayo Horse Sanctuary discovered yesterday (Wednesday) morning that the wheels had been stripped from the vehicle.

The trailer, an Ifor Williams product, was parked overnight at the sanctuary compound located at Knockegan, off the Crossmolina road, outside Ballina. Gardaí are investigating the matter.

Gerry Ginty, chairman of North Mayo Horse Sanctuary, said the theft was a blow from both a financial and operational point of view for the organisation.

“Four new tyres, costing almost €400 in total, had just been placed on the trailer,” Mr. Ginty explained.

“Whoever did this is guilty of a low blow," Mr. Ginty complained.

At the moment, the sanctuary has 21 'residents' – 20 horses and a donkey.

The sanctuary depends for most of its income on monies generated by its charity shop which is situated at Garden Street in the north Mayo capital.