Two donkeys who were saved following a rescue operation in West Devon earlier this year are recovering well at The Donkey Sanctuary’s New Arrivals Unit in Sidmouth.
Following a tip off from a concerned member of the public, Jack and Dash were found in a paddock alongside jennies Snowdrop and Meadow.
All four donkeys had severely overgrown hooves and were struggling to walk. Meadow and Dash also had open wounds.
“Meadow was our main concern. Her demeanour and behaviour were just so desperate and whenever she attempted to move, I could clearly see the pain and tension on her face and in her body language,” said Jenna Goldby, Senior Donkey Welfare Adviser at The Donkey Sanctuary.
Snowdrop had a split in the middle of her right hoof and walked with an abnormal gait, while all of Jack’s hooves were cracked.
“Both of Dash’s front hooves were ragged and split, and his left hind hoof was twisting inwards, making him quite tentative to move.
“He also had an open, bleeding wound and I noticed yellow, watery discharge coming from his eyes,” added Jenna, who was part of the rescue team alongside Nessie O’Brien, The Donkey Sanctuary’s Donkey Welfare Adviser, and two RSPCA officers.
Irreparable damage
Sadly, Meadow and Snowdrop had to be put down as the internal damage sustained in their hooves was found to be irreparable.
This proved to be particularly difficult for Jack and Dash, who visibly missed their companions.
Jack had been very close to Meadow, while Dash and Snowdrop enjoyed a strong bond.
Jack, 11, and Dash, seven, spent a month at a local equine hospital, where they received specialist continuous care, before moving to the sanctuary’s New Arrivals Unit.
“Jack and Dash have come a long way. When they arrived in May, they were fearful of having their bodies and feet touched so our team has spent lots of time with them to help them get used to our presence,” said new arrivals manager Sara Blair-Salter.
A growing bond
“Today, Jack and Dash can be caught and are certainly more confident with people they know better.
“They are always together, following each other around. Since spending more time together in our New Arrivals Unit, we have seen a lovely bond grow.”
The donkeys have their feet rebalanced by a farrier every four weeks and need continuous support due to their underlying health issues.
Both Jack and Dash will continue their rehabilitation at The Donkey Sanctuary.
