A DONKEY duo who became known for their escapologist antics in Pershore have been found a new more suitable home down south.
The pair had frequently slipped out from their enclosures, leading to Evesham and Pershore Police Safer Neigh-bourhood Team (SNT) having to use their resources to locate and recapture them.
Each time they had headed towards town, posing a risk to themselves and other road users.
But now, thanks to The Donkey Sanctuary, the mischievous mules have been moved to the charity’s base in Sidmouth, Devon.
The Donkey Sanctuary team has worked with West Mercia Police over the past few weeks in a bid to find a solution.
Picture courtesy of The Donkey Sanctuary. s
And, towards the end of last month, around 15 members of staff from Sidmouth – including The Donkey Sanctuary’s vet – worked with officers and World Horse Welfare which supplied corral fencing to help safely contain them.
After a few hours of teamwork and patience, both donkeys were safely secured and transported to their new home at The Donkey Sanctuary.
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 charity. And it was with the owner’s consent that arrangements were made to collect the donkeys during the visit.
Once the donkeys, who have since been named Grapefruit and Elderflower, were fitted with head collars, they were given time to relax then checked they were fit to travel by sanctuary vet Jamie Forrest, before being driven to the charity’s New Arrivals Unit in Sidmouth.
On arrival at their Sidmouth home, the environment was found to be quite challenging. The field the donkeys were living in previously was not secure and they were initially nervous of new people.
Picture courtesy of The Donkey Sanctuary. s
Ms 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.”
Picture courtesy of The Donkey Sanctuary. s
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.
A spokesperson for the force said: “We’re happy to report that they have settled in brilliantly.
“A huge thank you to The Donkey Sanctuary for their incredible help, advice, and support over the past month.
“This outcome truly wouldn’t have been possible without them.
“Not one day is the same for the Evesham and Pershore Rural Safer Neighbourhood Team – we don’t just deal with people – sometimes our work involves animals too.”
