Donkey put down by officer after collision

Second animal crash in less than a week in Norfolk County

Norfolk County OPP officers had to put a donkey out of its misery after a Quebec man drove into it on Highway 24 on Wednesday.

“The driver of the vehicle did not sustain any injuries, however, the donkey sustained lifethreatening injuries and had to be humanely dispatched by officers at the scene,” OPP said in a news release on Friday.

The 54-year-old driver was travelling on Highway 24 between Concession 3 Townsend and Windham Road 2 when he saw the donkey and two horses on the road around 6:40 p.m.

He dodged the horses but hit the donkey.

The vehicle was damaged but the driver wasn’t hurt. The horses were taken to a nearby farmer until the owners could be located.

The OPP urges animal owners to check fencing to make sure livestock don’t escape.

On Monday, a horse was injured and a pickup truck was damaged when the two collided on Windham Road 6 in Norfolk. The 49-year-old driver wasn’t hurt when the horse ran out on the road, but the horse suffered injuries to its back leg.

“Police are also reminding drivers that it’s not always possible to avoid a collision with an animal, particularly if it suddenly runs onto the road. But drivers can take sensible precautions to minimize the risk of a collision,” said OPP Const. Ed Sanchuk.

That means drivers should use the road with caution, within the speed limit and with a close eye on surroundings.