Donkeys ‘enjoying life’ in Lincolnshire two years on from rescue

Four donkeys which were among 455 neglected animals living “in squalor” are “thoroughly enjoying life” two years on from their rescue.

Buttons, Bueno, Yorkie and Malteser were taken into the care of Bransby Horses Rescue, in Lincoln, in June last year, after they were rescued from a farm in Nottinghamshire.

The charity’s equine welfare assistant, Imogen Leahy, said: “They absolutely love being with us. They’re always the first ones at the gate as soon as any member of the public turns up.”

Lee Hayes, 52, of Croftfield Farm in Dawgates Lane, Skegby, admitted 25 offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and was handed a 12-month prison sentence at Mansfield Magistrates’ Court in September.

He was also given a lifetime ban on owning all animals.

On 1 November 2023, organisations including the RSPCA seized 19 different species, including about 70 horses and donkeys, more than 50 dogs and puppies, more than 170 guinea pigs, and one llama.

Welfare and rescue officer Nadine Hall said it was “one of the worst places” she has seen. “Everywhere we looked we could see animals living in squalor,” Ms Hall said.

“The conditions they were being kept in, and the sheer numbers of animals was shocking.”

The quartet – dubbed The Chocolate Group – were among the animals seized and were looked after for a year by the RPSCA before being transferred to Bransby Horses.

All had just reached their first birthday when they arrived and were an “instant hit” with staff.

“They already had their little personalities,” the charity’s welfare manager Rachel Jenkinson, 51, said.

“They kept escaping. They were definitely enjoying the freedom of being in grassy fields,” she added.

Ms Leahy, 25, added: “They’ve all got quite bold personalities… they’re very quirky and they all definitely keep us on our toes.”

She said the group are living with the older female donkeys who are teaching them “how to donkey properly”.

The quartet also enjoy “donkey day care” days, which are full of enrichment activities including poles, wooden bridges and toys.

“They have toys in their fields as well that they often throw around at each other or at us sometimes.”