Youths arrested after donkey attack
Two youths have been arrested in connection with an attack on a donkey in Cwmbran, Wales.
Cheeky, a 22-year-old donkey, was found with 12 puncture wounds to her legs, abdomen and neck on Saturday 29 November.
The donkey was in her stable at Greenmeadow Community Farm, Cwmbran, when the attack happened.
Cheeky was injured overnight between 5pm on Friday (28 November) and 7.45am on 29 November.
On Christmas Eve (Wednesday 24 December) Gwent Police said they had arrested two 17-year-old boys from the Cwmbran area.
The pair have been bailed pending phone and forensic examinations.
Earlier this month a spokesman for Greenmeadow told H&H that the donkey was “recovering well” from her attack and was thought to be “through the worst of it.”
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
Nothing like this had happened there before, but the centre has now stepped up security at the farm. The attack left staff at the centre “shocked and devastated”.
They have been working closely with the police to help find the culprits.
Cheeky is one of three donkeys at the centre, which are used to help people to learn how to interact with animals. She has been at the Cwmbran farm since 2006.
Cheeky, who was due to star in the centre’s nativity play, has had to sit out this season’s acting role while she recovers. But the centre are hopeful she will return to full health.
The donkey is a much-loved character at the farm, and apparently is Cheeky by name and nature. Although she was “subdued” after the accident she is now perking up.
“She’s not 100% back to her old self but she’s certainly getting there,” added the spokesman. “She’s still a little but nervous but that’s to be expected. She’s mostly fine.”
The centre are overwhelmed by the support and well-wishes for Cheeky since the attack.
Gwent Police are still seeking information. Contact 101.
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
A graduate of Exeter University, Amy joined our news team from Redpin Publishing in 2008 as news writer. She was promoted to deputy news editor in May 2013 and became news editor in April 2015. She left Horse & Hound in March 2016 to take up an editorial position in Dubai.