Donkeys living at The Donkey Sancutuary have been pictured sporting long socks in the field. The leg wear isn’t a fashion statement, it’s to give relief from flies and other irritating insects.
Sanctuary staff and volunteers are also in the process of designing leggings that can be attached to the donkeys’ fly rugs, so that those who are more susceptible to bugs will have total fly protection.
The idea came about after an appeal for a unique donation of socks by Il Rifugio degli Asinell, The Donkey Sanctuary’s Italian base, went viral in Italy after being shared across social media.
“We needed long socks. It didn’t matter if they were new or used as long as they were clean, in good condition and were black (or grey) and white over-the-knee socks,” said fundraising officer Ilaria Ruzza.
In only a week the social post had reached 90,000 people, resulting in 180 pairs of socks being sent in.
Stripes were preferred, as research has shown that flies are repelled by striped patterns in a more efficient way than plain colours.
‘Best fashions begin in Italy’
Generous supporters also donated more than €600 during the sock appeal to help support the sanctuary, which is located around 50 kilometres northeast of Turin.
Ilaria and her colleagues later shared photos of their donkeys sporting their new socks.
“By using social media we were able to reach our supporters across the country really quickly,” said Ilaria.
“We were also able to share our mission of protecting donkeys and promoting their welfare in Italy to an entirely new audience of potential supporters, thanks in part to the post being shared and ‘liked’ so much.”
Il Rifugio degli Asinelli is the Italian arm of UK-based international animal welfare charity The Donkey Sanctuary and is home to over 100 donkeys. It is located in the Biellesi Prealps in Northern Italy.
“It is often thought that all the best fashions begin in Italy, so it’s no wonder a few donkeys closer to home have also been spotted wearing patterned leggings,” said a spokesperson for The Donkey Sanctuary UK.
“Now, thanks to the generosity of supporters, the resident herd can look forward to a more relaxing autumn, safe in the knowledge their stylish new legwear will help keep biting insects at bay.”
