A team from The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth responded to a call for assistance from police following concerns for the welfare of two donkeys in Worcestershire.
The pair of donkeys had been straying onto the road repeatedly, near the market town of Pershore, posing a risk to themselves and other road users.
In response to calls from the public, the officers from West Mercia Police were regularly attending to manage traffic, but needed help to find a long-term-solution.
After providing advice to the police over a number of weeks, arrangements were made to visit the location on 23 February to assess the welfare of the donkeys.
Ahead of the visit Hannah Bryer, The Donkey Sanctuary’s Head of Welfare, was able to make contact with the owner of the donkeys who agreed, in the circumstances, it was in the donkeys’ best interest to come into the care of The Donkey Sanctuary, and with their consent, arrangements were made to collect the donkeys during the visit.
On arrival the environment was found to be quite challenging, as the field the donkeys were living in was not secure, and they were initially nervous of new people.
With support from a World Horse Welfare Field Officer, who brought along some handling pens, the team from The Donkey Sanctuary and four police officers were able to secure the field and create a safe handling and loading area.
Once the donkeys, who have since been named Grapefruit and Elderflower, were fitted with headcollars they were given time to relax then checked that they were fit to travel by sanctuary vet Jamie Forrest, before being driven to the charity’s New Arrivals Unit in Sidmouth.
A spokesperson for West Mercia Police, said: “As many local residents will know, two donkeys had been frequently escaping from their home, which created a significant demand on policing due to the need for repeated officer attendance.”
“It was agreed that the donkeys could be moved to The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth. Although that may sound simple – these two donkeys are true escape artists!”
“After a few hours of teamwork and patience, both donkeys were safely secured and transported to their new home at The Donkey Sanctuary.”
Hannah Bryer, said: “Donkeys are naturally curious animals who enjoy interacting with their environment and will naturally browse hedgerows and other shrubs.
“Whilst opportunities to perform this natural behaviour is incredibly beneficial to their wellbeing, donkeys can find their way through narrow gaps in hedgerows and fences so it’s really important that owners provide a safe environment and check the boundary to their fields are secure.”
By working collaboratively with the donkeys’ owner, West Mercia Police, and with support from World Horse Welfare, Grapefruit and Elderflower have a safe and secure future.
They are now being cared for by the charity’s new arrivals team in Devon, where they have had their feet trimmed and are receiving ongoing veterinary care.
The police spokesperson added: “A huge thank you to The Donkey Sanctuary for their incredible help, advice, and support over the past month.
“This outcome truly would not have been possible without them.”
