FORT WORTH, Texas -
The Humane Society of North Texas has seen a flood of unwanted donkeys coming in from people who can no longer afford them.
"They're abandoning them, dumping them, releasing them," said Shelly Meeks with the Humane Society.
Ranchers who used to own the animals to protect their horses and cattle often end up overwhelmed because they breed indiscriminately.
"They started with two and next thing they know they've got 38," Meeks said.
The Humane Society and other rescue organization are now bearing the financial burden, paying for the food, housing and medical care.
They're hoping more people will see the value in discarded donkeys.
For example, Tandi Dunn has two rescued donkeys that are part of her family. She believes they came to her rescue when an aggressive dog attacked.
"He was just dead straight running at me, teeth showing and growling," she said. "They were literally back to back kicking him. Luke stomped him and stood on him."
She's grateful and called the animals priceless, loyal, loving and a little ornery sometimes.
For more information about adoptions, visit hsnt.org.
