Lily finds loving care at donkey sanctuary
A SEVERELY overweight donkey who was struggling to walk is now well on the road to recovery thanks to a Devon-based charity.
Following a call from a concerned member of the public, 11-year-old Lily and her companion, Amy, were discovered in St Agnes in February 2020. Their paddock also contained ragwort, a plant that if eaten is extremely harmful to donkeys.
On arrival at the address, Jenna Goldby, donkey welfare adviser at The Donkey Sanctuary, was shocked to see the condition of both Lily and Amy’s overgrown hooves, and it was clear that they were in need of urgent veterinary attention.
Lily also had a significant amount of hair loss across her back, while the length of her hooves caused her to walk abnormally.
Ms Goldby said: “It was clear from the way Lily was standing that she was in discomfort. She needed farrier attention to remove the overgrown hoof and allow her legs to straighten.”
For a week the pair received expert care at Penmellyn Vet Hospital, until they were stable enough to be taken to The Donkey Sanctuary’s global headquarters in Sidmouth. As Lily’s health continued to improve, 13-year-old Amy’s condition caused serious concerns. Despite best efforts, she was still in pain due to the extent of the damage that had occurred internally within her hooves, and the decision was made to put her to sleep.
Almost a year on, Lily is thriving and has bonded with a miniature donkey called Faith. Due to the original condition of her feet, it is unlikely that Lily will be eligible for rehoming. However, she now has a safe loving home for the rest of her life at the sanctuary.