A severely underweight donkey, whose bones could be seen through her thick winter coat, is now looking forward to a brighter future, thanks to international animal welfare charity The Donkey Sanctuary.
Following a call from a concerned member of the public in November 2021, Donkey Welfare Adviser Charly Wain arrived at an address near Bishop Auckland in County Durham, where she discovered 16-year-old mare Thistle sharing a hilly field with foal Declan, both exposed to the wintry weather.
The donkeys were found on land belonging to someone else after breaking out of their own field, and when Charly saw Thistle’s skinny frame and overgrown, twisted hooves, she became concerned for the pair’s welfare.
Thistle’s hip bones and spine were poking out through her coat, and with no shelter in the field, neither she nor Declan had any protection against the cold November drizzle.
Charly said: “When I saw Thistle, I was very concerned about her. I could see her bones very easily, even through her thick coat, and her hip bones were particularly prominent.
“Her body condition was very worrying, especially as she was exposed to the elements in such a harsh environment. I noticed her hooves were overgrown and twisted and I knew I had to help her and Declan.”
Despite this, Thistle was comfortable with Charly’s presence, and allowed her to fit a head collar and examine her feet, whereas Declan was not as confident, and did not want to be handled.
Charly added: “I initially assumed Declan was Thistle's foal as he was trying to feed from her, but I would later find out this wasn’t the case.
“Thistle was actually brought in as a companion for Declan. This only endeared Thistle to me more as she was so tolerant of a baby who wasn’t hers.”
A vet was called to examine the donkeys’ condition and living environment, who recommended that they were moved somewhere more suitable as soon as possible for further treatment.
After contacting the owner of the donkeys, it was discovered that they could no longer provide the care they needed, and they agreed the best thing for Thistle and Declan would be for them to be relinquished into the care of The Donkey Sanctuary.
Since arriving into the care of the charity, tests confirmed that Thistle was pregnant, and is expecting her own foal later this year.
Once on hardstanding, the effect of Thistle’s poor hoof health was apparent, as she showed obvious signs of lameness. On closer inspection, vets discovered a hoof abscess and prescribed a course of antibiotics. She also had her hooves trimmed by a farrier.
Charly said: “I am pleased to report that she is doing much better. She is such an affectionate donkey and very gentle.
“I am hopeful that with the loving care and attention Thistle is receiving, her foal will now be born fit and healthy.
“Despite his nervousness, Declan is still learning to trust people, but he is gaining confidence all the time.”
She added: “In the future I hope that Thistle, her unborn foal and Declan continue to improve, and perhaps one day I’ll see them in a loving Guardian home on The Donkey Sanctuary’s rehoming scheme.”
For interviews, images and information please contact The Donkey Sanctuary press office on 01395 573124 or 07870 849563 (including out of hours) or send an email.
The Donkey Sanctuary is the world's largest equine welfare charity. Our vision is a world where donkeys and mules live free from suffering and their contribution to humanity is fully valued. We run 10 sanctuaries around the UK and Europe, giving lifelong care to more than 7,000 donkeys and mules. Our hospital treats sick donkeys and trains vets both nationwide and worldwide. Our donkey-facilitated learning programme helps vulnerable children and adults develop life skills by connecting with donkeys on an emotional and physical level. The charity operates programmes worldwide for animals working in agriculture, industry and transportation, and those used in the production of meat and skin.
Please note that the name ‘The Donkey Sanctuary’ should not be abbreviated to ‘Donkey Sanctuary’, and the word ‘The’ should always appear with a capital ‘T’ as above.