Prank leaves donkey distressed and needing veterinary attention

A donkey has been left “distressed and upset” after youths played what is thought to have been a cruel prank on a city farm in Leicester.

Oatie, an 18-month-old donkey, had been recently gelded and was recovering from the operation at Gorse Hill City Farm, when youths broke in and moved him from his pen.

During the upheaval his wound reopened and he was left bleeding and needing veterinary attention.

Hilary Marshall at Gorse Hill City Farm told H&H: “When we closed up on the Tuesday night (25 November) we put Oatie away in a separate, smaller, pen.

“On the other side of the fence, in a larger pen, was a female donkey and 2 Shetland ponies.

“But when we came back in the morning they had been swapped around — Oatie was in the larger pen while the other 3 were in the smaller one.

She added that 2 youths were had been caught on the farm’s surveillance tape on the property but they were not seen moving the animals.

“Oatie was very stressed and subdued,” said Ms Marshall. “His wound had opened up so he’s been on more medication. Although he’s healing well he’s still not his usual self.”

Gorse Hill City Farm has 120 animals, including goats, sheep, cows and small animals.

Leicestershire police are currently investigating the incident.

Anyone with information should call police on: 0116 222 2222.

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