Safety for Jack and Dash

In a bittersweet conclusion to an operation conducted in West Devon earlier this year, eleven-year-old Jack and Dash, seven, are currently receiving the expert care of our New Arrivals Unit in Sidmouth, Devon. Their two companions however – mares Snowdrop and Meadow – were sadly put to sleep due to the extent of their hoof neglect.

Jenna Goldby, Senior Donkey Welfare Adviser, recalls visiting the donkeys in April following a call from a concerned member of the public.

She says: “Looking into their field, I could immediately see the donkeys weren’t moving correctly, and even at a distance their feet looked overgrown.

“Jack, Dash and Snowdrop were grouped together, but Meadow had isolated herself and was stood with her head hung low. Donkeys bond very closely with their companions, so when we see a donkey separated from their friends, it often indicates there is a serious issue.”

After locating the donkeys’ owners, Jenna, fellow Donkey Welfare Adviser Nessie O’Brien and two officers from the RSPCA entered the paddock, where the true extent of their welfare issues were brought into focus.

“Meadow was our main concern,” Jenna says. “She had extremely overgrown hooves and was struggling to walk.

“Her demeanour and behaviour were just so desperate and whenever she attempted to move, I could clearly see the pain and tension on her face and in her body language.”

Meadow also had hair loss down her spine and a small open wound above her pelvis that was bleeding.

The other mare in the paddock, Snowdrop, was also struggling to move due to the overgrowth of her hooves.

Jenna says: “Snowdrop had a very abnormal gait, lifting all of her legs so high that she was almost rocking side to side. It was shocking to witness.

“All of her hooves were exceedingly overgrown and there was a sizeable split in the centre of her front right hoof.”

The two geldings in the group, Jack and Dash, were also in a worrying condition.

All four of Jack’s hooves were long and cracked and he walked with an exaggerated gait to accommodate the overgrowth.

Dash’s hooves were also in a very poor state – lifting at the toe and curling upwards.

Jenna says: “Both of Dash’s front hooves were ragged and split and his left hind hoof was twisting inwards, making him quite tentative to move.

“Every time Dash stood still, he shifted his weight between his front legs, indicating that both of them were sore. He kept weight shifting to try and alleviate the pain from standing. He also had an open, bleeding wound and I noticed yellow, watery discharge coming from his eyes.”

Urgent veterinary treatment

Due to the pressing nature of the case, Jenna called a vet to urgently attend the site. After the donkeys had been given pain relief, they were transported to a local equine hospital for intensive treatment and support.

“Despite the best efforts of the veterinary team, the internal damage sustained in Meadow and Snowdrop’s hooves was found to be irreversible,” Jenna says.

“The difficult decision was made to peacefully euthanise both donkeys to alleviate their suffering.

“This was a particularly sad outcome because of the bonds shared by all four donkeys. Jack and Meadow were very close, as were Dash and Snowdrop.

“It was imperative that Jack and Dash were given plenty of additional care to help them overcome the loss of Snowdrop and Meadow. Despite having each other, they both grieved very hard for their companions.”

Jack and Dash spent around a month at the equine hospital. On several occasions, Dash’s health declined, prompting euthanasia discussions to take place.

Thankfully, due to the dedicated, specialist round-the-clock care he received, Dash pulled through and soon became fit enough to travel a short distance to our New Arrivals Unit in Sidmouth.

New beginnings

Sara Blair-Salter, our New Arrivals Manager, says: “Jack and Dash have come a long way. When they arrived in May, they were fearful of having their bodies and feet touched, so or team has spent lots of time with them to help them get used to our presence.

“Today, Jack and Dash can be caught and are certainly more confident with people they know better.

“They are always together, following each other around. Since spending more time together in our New Arrivals Unit, we have seen a lovely bond grow.”

Jack and Dash still have underlying health issues that need support. They are visited by a farrier every four weeks to help rebalance their feet.

It is going to take them a long time to recover from their ordeal, but they are in the best place to continue their rehabilitation.

Jenna says: “This was a particularly harrowing case. The extent of the pain and suffering Meadow endured was very difficult to witness.

“While I’m very sad that we lost Meadow and Snowdrop, we tried everything we could do to save them. Ultimately, when no more could be done, we gave them a dignified end to their suffering.

“The initial road to recovery for Jack and Dash was challenging and I was overjoyed when I heard the news they were fit enough to travel to our New Arrivals Unit, as I knew the next chapters of their lives were about to begin.

“Under the care of The Donkey Sanctuary, this deserving duo will never know pain and suffering again.”