Donkey rescued from horrific scrapyard site finds his feet in Devon

Eleven-year-old donkey Oliver was rescued amid horrific scenes at a Birmingham scrapyard, and has now started a new life at one of our Devon sanctuaries. Oliver was one of 28 animals rescued from the site, many of which were found shut in dilapidated kennels, sheds, shipping containers, horse boxes and vans. Surrounded by hazards and faeces, and without bedding, very few of the animals had access to water or food.

Some were also suffering due to a variety of untreated ailments and in desperate need of veterinary help.

Oliver’s owners have been banned from owning animals for life following a prosecution by the RSPCA. One owner was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison, while another was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months.

Oliver, who was relinquished into the care of The Donkey Sanctuary following his rescue, was transported to a local holding base where he received veterinary and farrier attention.

When Oliver arrived at the holding base, he was thin, his hooves needed attention and he had clearly been affected by his experience.

A spokeswoman for the holding base says: “I had been told that Oliver had been shut in a container with some horses.

“There was a lot of conflict because there was not enough space and Oliver was unable to move away from them.

“Oliver did not want to interact with anyone. He was incredibly wary and would defend his space by attempting to kick or bite if you got too close.

“We knew we had to give him space and time to show him that he could trust us.

“We made sure to carry out our routines very quietly and slowly. There was no speed or pressure, we took everything really slowly and in small steps.”

In the weeks that passed, Oliver began to gradually improve – but it wasn’t until the arrival of another donkey called Barry that he fully turned a corner.

Having never socialised with other donkeys at the scrapyard, Oliver took his growing confidence from Barry’s lead.

The spokeswoman adds: “There was a moment where I put Oliver and Barry out together in the sand paddock and they both began rolling at the same time and copying each other’s body language.

“That was when I knew Oliver had made it, and knew that both donkeys had grown to love each other’s company.”

After spending six months at the holding base, Oliver and Barry made the move to our Devon-based New Arrivals Unit in February 2023.

There, he and Barry were introduced to four other donkeys – Guti, Sioni, Eeyore and Mario – before the group made the short journey to our Sidmouth-based Paccombe Farm.

When donkeys arrive on our sanctuary farms, they spend some time adjusting to their new surroundings before being introduced a larger group of donkeys.

This allows our teams to get to know the donkeys and is a chance to continue with any veterinary or behaviour support they need.

Groom Lisa Coles says: “This gave us all a great opportunity to get to know Oliver and his friends as a new group before they were integrated into the larger group.

“Oliver is a shining example of how time, patience and training can help donkeys overcome their fears.

“When he arrived, he was so friendly. We are still getting to know him, but he loves a fuss and a cuddle!”

Oliver still seeks out the company of Barry, whose confidence continues to flourish, and others for company.

Lisa adds: “Oliver has truly found his feet at Paccombe.”