Two donkeys found wandering loose on a Cumbrian mountain road and in need of urgent veterinary care have been rescued by The Donkey Sanctuary.
The donkeys, Daisy, 12, and 11-year-old Thistle, were spotted by motorists passing through the Lake District National Park, which is home to some of England’s highest mountains, in May 2020.
The donkeys had severely overgrown hooves and bold patches on their coats, and were walking along the side of a mountain in the Langdale area.
A statement from the charity said: “They had access to the whole of Wrynose Fell. Without intervention, the donkeys could have become stranded if they wandered too far into the mountain’s high peaks and steep slopes.”
Following a call from a concerned member of the public, donkey welfare adviser Adele Crompton travelled to the mountainside with an RSPCA inspector, a vet and two officers from Cumbria Police.
“On closer inspection, the donkey welfare adviser could see the donkeys needed urgent veterinary care,” added the statement.
“Their hooves were misshapen and twisted, indicating they had not seen a farrier for quite some time. Their coats were in poor condition, with missing patches of hair leaving their delicate skin exposed to the sun.”
‘High risk for a traffic collision’
Adele said: “Once they were safely caught, I could see that their feet were very badly twisted, which would have caused them considerable discomfort. They were clearly struggling to walk.
“It was good thing we were able to step in when we did. The road they were on had several blind bends and there is a chance that they could have been involved in a traffic collision.
“It would have been a tragedy for not just the donkeys, but for any motorist who saw them too late.”
The RSPCA and the police made contact with Daisy and Thistle’s owner, who agreed for the donkeys to be passed over into the care of The Donkey Sanctuary.
Both donkeys are recovering well, confirmed the statement.
Fellow donkey welfare adviser Sally Bamforth added: “Daisy and Thistle have continued to do well. The condition of their coats and hooves have considerably improved.
“We are awaiting further assessment to see whether the damage sustained to their hooves is long term, or has improved to an extent where they may be eligible for our rehoming scheme.
“They have enjoyed being handled and receiving daily attention, and they are looking towards a much rosier future.”
