A group of painfully thin donkeys living in a field strewn with dangerous hazards in North Wales have started a new chapter in our care.
Will, Martha, Casper, and their three companions were all discovered at a site in North Wales living with long hooves and poor body conditions.
Donkey Welfare Adviser Kia Thomas attended their site with a field officer from World Horse Welfare in March last year and was immediately concerned when she saw the donkeys. She says: “I was worried for the welfare of these six donkeys. They were living on a cold exposed hillside without suitable shelter.
“They weren’t receiving adequate nutrition and I was concerned for their ongoing care and wellbeing.”
One donkey in particular caught Kia’s eye. Will, a 16-year-old, was the thinnest donkey in the group. Kia says: “I immediately noticed how skinny Will was, even from a distance.
“It’s not often that you see a donkey as visibly thin as Will as often the true extent of a donkey’s poor condition is hidden by their thick coat.
“He was very underweight and angular-looking. I could see the angles of his skeleton poking through his coat, which was soaked through.
“Will's condition and the environmental conditions raised concern for all the donkeys, and it was important to assess the welfare of them all.”
Will’s companions were all in need of veterinary intervention. Martha was visibly thin, with her ribs and pelvis easily felt.
Her hooves were overgrown, and she walked stiffly when she was led by Kia. Casper was also thin and had overgrown hooves.
Their donkeys’ field contained hazards that posed a threat to their safety, including rusty cars, a trailer, machinery parts and wires strewn across the ground.
Kia says: “They could easily have become entangled in the wires and injured, or received puncture wounds from discarded nails and machinery.
“Donkeys are susceptible to tetanus, an often fatal, painful condition, if they are not fully up to date with their vaccinations. Any lacerations or puncture wounds they may have received could have become infected if they weren’t treated.
“There was also very little grazing in their field. Although they did have access to hay, the donkeys were all very underweight.
“It is important to monitor body condition and investigate causes of weight loss, which may include adjustments to diet or changes to living environment.
“Some of the donkeys were more underweight than others, with their hip bones and spines protruding and easily felt.
“The day we attended, it was really cold. Standing in their field for a short time, we were freezing. This weather must have been felt by the donkeys, as they had no access to a suitable manmade shelter.
“If they could not get dry and were exposed to elements, this could have lead to other health issues, such as skin problems, and is likely to have exacerbated their weight loss.
After attempting to resolve the situation by offering advice, guidance and support; voluntary relinquishment, a resolution which prioritised the welfare of the donkeys was offered but a sustainable solution could not be reached.
A multi-agency decision was reached to return to the site with a vet and the RSPCA.
Following further examinations, the vet deemed the donkeys were suffering and working within the provisions of the Animal Welfare Act, arrangements were made for the donkeys to be moved into our care pending the outcome of the RSPCA investigation.
Once the donkeys were safely loaded onto equine transport, they were taken to a nearby holding base where their recovery began.
Following comprehensive veterinary examinations, a much-needed hoof trim, and the start of a nutritional, balanced diet, the donkeys’ condition began to improve.
A few months later, the RSPCA were successful in their application to secure the long-term future of the donkeys.
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters we were able to offer five of the six rescued donkeys a secure future and to continue with their rehabilitation.
Sadly, the damage sustained to Will’s feet was irreversible. Despite being administered the maximum amount of pain relief, he was still lame on three legs and could not walk comfortably.
Despite all efforts, it was decided the kindest course of action for Will was to put him to sleep.
Following Will’s passing, plenty of love and attention was provided to his remaining companions to help them cope with their loss.
In the year since their arrival at the holding base, Martha, Casper, and their companions have all flourished and their characters are beginning to shine.
Although the long-term damage to their hooves means they will not be eligible for rehoming, our sanctuary will offer them the best care suitable for their needs.
Reflecting on the case, Kia says: “I feel really relieved that we were able to remove these donkeys from the situation they found themselves in, and that we are now able to provide them with all of the care and attention they need and deserve.
“I look forward to seeing them thrive in the care of the sanctuary and hearing how they get on when they have had further appropriate handling and care.
“I’m sure we’ll see an even greater change in their confidence and demeanour.”
Our Donkey Welfare Advisers like Kia are always on hand to provide advice and guidance to all donkey owners.
As a direct consequence of members of the public getting in touch, the welfare of many donkeys and mules is improved.
Kia adds: “A core part of our role is working with donkeys owners to offer support and guidance.
“We would encourage anyone experiencing challenges in caring for their donkeys to seek help through ourselves or another welfare organisation where we’ll be able to provide help and support at an early stage.”