Rescue donkeys making a difference in Manchester

Three donkeys looking at the camera with a manger of hay in the foreground — Laura, Big Ears (“Bea”) and Snowy.

(Image credit: The Donkey Sanctuary)

Three neglected donkeys are “growing in confidence” and supporting vulnerable people, having been rescued by an animal welfare charity.

Laura, Snowy and Big Ears (“Bea”) were found living in South Wales in 2020 with no shelter or access to water, and with ragwort growing in their field. All three had overgrown hooves and were in “desperate need” of veterinary attention.

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Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.

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It was found that the owner had many animals in her care. The time and resources needed for each meant that the basic needs of the trio were not being met.

The charity worked with a local vet and the owner, who agreed to relinquish the donkeys into the care of the Donkey Sanctuary.

They moved to one of the charity’s holding bases, and then to its Axnoller Farm in Dorset, where grooms spent months building their trust and confidence.

In November, the three travelled to the Donkey Sanctuary’s Abbey Hey base, where they have joined the herd offering donkey-assisted activities to the local community.

“Bea is a little more reserved than her friends, Laura and Snowy but is very slowly coming out of her shell a little. Snowy and Laura are also slowly making steps into independence,” Melanie McComb, centre manager at the Donkey Sanctuary Manchester told H&H.

“When they were released into the herd, they stayed very close to each other at all times but slowly they are growing in confidence and can often be found eating or wandering with the other donkeys in the herd.

“Our donkeys are fully at liberty in their environment so when we bring clients into their space, they choose whether to interact or not.

“Bea, Snowy and Laura have already taken steps to introduce themselves to some of our clients as well as the Lord Mayor of Manchester on her recent visit. We are confident that these three beautiful girls will only grow in confidence and make amazing rehoming donkeys for a guardian home.”

Laura, Snowy and Bea will spend the next couple of years at the sanctuary, as they are prepared for rehoming.

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