Two donkeys found neglected and suffering in a field that had a number of hazardous items in it — including a large kitchen knife — are now safe in the care of The Donkey Sanctuary.
Flossy and Jubilee were discovered in freezing conditions, living in a muddy and wet field near Buxton, Derbyshire in January 2021.
“I was horrified to see such a potentially dangerous item on the ground where the donkeys were actively grazing,” said welfare adviser Keira Benham.
Flossy and Jubilee at the time of rescue
“Had either donkey stood on or investigated the knife it could have caused serious injury to their hooves, limbs or muzzle, and left them open to potential infection such as tetanus.”
On arrival at the scene, Keira could see that the donkeys’ front hooves were in a “horrendous condition”, painfully curling upwards and stopping both animals from walking comfortably.
The donkeys’ field was covered in slushy snow and their water troughs had frozen over. They also lacked adequate shelter from the wintry conditions and their dishevelled coats showed signs of rainscald.
“It was heart breaking to witness these donkeys being so uncomfortable. Watching them struggle to walk was very upsetting,” added Keira.
“The poor condition of their hooves and lack of adequate farriery care meant the donkeys were experiencing pain and discomfort.”
After initial attempts to reach their owner proved unsuccessful, Keira returned to the site with an RSPCA inspector, police officers from Derbyshire Constabulary and an equine vet.
Their field had many dangerous and hazardous items
It was then that the kitchen knife and other previously hidden dangerous hazards — including sharp pieces of wood and loose wire — were spotted as the weather had warmed and the field was clear of snow.
Contact with the owners
After catching Flossy and Jubilee, the donkeys were examined by a vet before being taken into possession of the police. After the vet certified that the pair were suffering, they were taken into the care of The Donkey Sanctuary.
Flossy, 14, and Jubilee, nine, were given pain relief before being transported to the charity’s nearby centre, just outside Buxton.
They were given a warm, dry shelter with access to hardstanding and a bed, as well as food and further veterinary attention.
“Donkeys require a solid, waterproof shelter to protect them from the elements and a clean, dry resting area, while a hardstanding and dry bedding supports good hoof health and can help prevent donkeys developing conditions as a result of standing on wet ground, said a statement from the charity.
Flossy and Jubilee are thriving in the charity’s care
The duo received treatment for their overgrown hooves and their teeth were treated by a qualified equine dental technician.
When The Donkey Sanctuary eventually made contact with the donkeys’ owner, they agreed to relinquish ownership and the pair are now living at the sanctuary in Derbyshire.
“Flossy and Jubilee spend their days grazing away with their friends,” said manager Chris Pile.
“We had to clip their coats and both have had extensive work to their feet, but they are doing well.”
The charity hopes that Flossy and Jubilee may become eligible for its rehoming scheme whin the future.
All photos supplied by The Donkey Sanctuary
