A UK donkey sanctuary is appealing for used trousers, leggings or pyjamas in order to protect its donkeys from biting flies.
The Donkey Sanctuary in Devon said it experiences the annual challenge of biting flies during the summer months, and has been using old legwear to protect its donkeys' legs from bites for several years.
However, the animals can get through several pairs a week as they roam around their pastures, and the sanctuary is looking for any unwanted loose-fitting trousers, leggings or pyjama bottoms.
The Donkey Sanctuary in Devon has been using old legwear to protect its donkeys' legs from bites for several years
Women's legwear should be size 16 and larger and men's trousers need to be a size large and up to ensure they fit all of the resident donkeys. Items can be donated to the sanctuary's gift shop.
The sanctuary recently received a collection of suitable items from staff and students at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, left over from a recycling project.
"It tickled us pink to think of donkeys wearing leggings and pyjama bottoms to protect their legs from biting insects," said Anya Hart Dyke, project officer at nonprofit organisation Transition University of St Andrews.
"We hate seeing any clothes go to waste so we were delighted to source items that were too faded, or worse for wear to be reworn by students," she added.
Donate old legwear to donkeys
"We’re always looking for new opportunities to keep clothes in play so were thrilled when the Donkey Sanctuary agreed to making use of clothes that would have otherwise been incinerated."
Lisa Coles, one of the grooms at Paccombe Farm, owned by the Donkey Sanctuary, said: "We were delighted to receive the donation of snazzy leggings and trousers from St Andrews and would welcome any more.
“Even though the legwear may look a bit unusual at first glance, it really does make a difference to the welfare of our donkeys, and we hope others may be inspired to donate any suitable items we can use.”
Images courtesy of the Donkey Sanctuary
