A group of donkeys who lived in a field with poisonous plants and dangerous debris are now safe and on a path to a brighter future.
An unsuitable environment
Parsley, Sage, Saffron and Sorrel lived in a field near York that was scattered with electric fencing tape, piping, nails and plastic wrapping.
Their field also contained ragwort, a yellow flowering plant with toxic compounds that can cause liver damage to equines and other livestock animals and can sometimes be fatal.
When our Head of Welfare Hannah Bryer arrived at the donkeys' site in July last year, she discovered an area of their paddock had become damaged and needed repair.
A loose length of unused fencing tape was strewn across the field, which could have caused the donkeys serious injury if they became entangled as it is very strong and doesn't break easily.
Hannah says: "Fencing tape can cause serious injury, so it must be carefully set up and safely maintained. Any excess or unused fencing tape should be stored appropriately to prevent animals from accessing it and becoming entangled.
"There were other objects in the donkeys' field which could have posed a risk to the animals, including rusty metal, plastic piping and fallen fence posts and exposed nails."
Shocking welfare conditions
Hannah observed that Parsley had a poor body condition, and she could see areas of muscle wastage. It was also possible to feel the bones of his neck, shoulders, spine, ribs and hindquarters.
She says: "Parsley was visually very underweight, and he was also worryingly quiet and subdued. Changes in condition and behaviour are often signs something is wrong, so my priority was to get him checked over by a vet.
"Parsley was generally in poor condition. His coat was matted and infested with lice. His feet were overgrown and in need of farriery care."
Sage also had lice, characterised by areas of broken hairs caused by scratching and a patchy looking coat containing lice eggs. She was overweight and had developed fatty pockets over the ribs and hindquarters. Her hooves were also overgrown, causing lameness and making turning particularly difficult.
Saffron and Sorrel both had scabbed areas of skin across their neck, shoulders and limbs and their hooves were also overgrown.
Hannah says: "Although the RSPCA had previously given the owner advice to improve the conditions, we could not reach them, and therefore we worked with the RSPCA, North Yorkshire Police and a local equine vet to safeguard the donkeys' welfare.
"After veterinary examinations, the donkeys were transported to a nearby holding base, where they received all of the necessary veterinary, farrier and dental treatment."
On the path to a brighter future
After the donkeys were removed, the owner contacted us and later agreed to relinquish the donkeys into our care.
Hannah adds: "'The Herbs', as they are affectionately known, are friendly, curious donkeys who had sadly found themselves needing our help.
"They continue to be monitored from a veterinary point of view and are currently receiving training to support their behaviour and will later be assessed to see if they are suitable for rehoming.
"During their time at our holding base, they have needed lots of support to help them feel more confident when being handled and when the farrier comes to trim their feet."
Help us make a difference
With your support, we can continue to be there for donkeys like Parsley, Sage, Saffron and Sorrel.
