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Abandoned donkeys rescued by Donkey Sanctuary
Darcy's hooves were uncared for, and Kallie was suffering from a leg wound.
The two donkeys were found roaming in Suffolk.

Two donkeys, found abandoned and roaming in a field in Suffolk, have been rescued and taken for veterinary care by the Donkey Sanctuary.

Kallie and Darcy, aged seven and six, were reported to the Donkey Sanctuary in August after being seen roaming around a large field.

When donkey welfare advisers Jess Bush and Mark Kerr arrived on the scene the donkeys appeared nervous, and it was unclear whether they had been handled. The grass in the field was very long, so they could not assess the condition of their hooves from a distance.

Due to the size of the field, approximately 20 acres, it was challenging for the rescuers to get close enough to make contact with the donkeys. There was also no hardstanding or shelter where they would be able to handle them.

The grass in the field was lush, which raised the welfare adviser’s concerns about the donkeys’ diets. Dietary problems from too much sugary grass, including obesity, can lead to laminitis, a painful condition affecting hooves.

Under the Control of Horses Act 2015, the landowner had to try and locate the owners of the donkeys before the Donkey Sanctuary could act. After no owners were find, the landowner had the legal right to make arrangements for the donkeys’ welfare.

After the donkeys were moved to a smaller field, donkey welfare advisers were able to examine them more closely.

Both the donkeys’ feet were found to be extremely overgrown. Darcy’s hooves were chipped and cracked, with her front hooves curling at the toe, while Kallie had a wound on her leg which put her at risk of fly strike.

The donkeys remained nervous, so the Donkey Sanctuary partnered with World Horse Welfare to utilise specialist equine handling pens to manage them.

With World Horse Welfare’s support, the Donkey Sanctuary was able to handle the donkeys in a smaller space, before moving them to a holding base for further treatment. They are now comfortable on their feet and much healthier, but still wary around humans.

Jess Bush, the donkey welfare adviser who was first on the scene, said: “I recently saw Kallie and Darcy and it was amazing to see how far they have come thanks to the dedication and care provided by their grooms.

“I hope they continue to lead a happy, healthy life – either in a loving Donkey Guardian home or at one of our sanctuary farms.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Black cats take three times longer to rehome

News Story 1
 The RSPCA has revealed that it can take three times longer to rehome black cats compared to other cats.

In figures released for Black Cat Appreciation Day (17 August), the charity revealed that it takes an average of 29 days to rehome a black cat. In comparison, it only takes an average of nine days for a grey tabby cat to find a new home.

Dominika Jagoda, RSPCA pet welfare expert, said: "Whether people consider them to be unlucky or think they don't look good in photos, the truth is that black cats won't bring you bad luck - but they do need forever homes! The colour of an animal's fur makes no difference to how much love they have to give." 

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News Shorts
Nominations open for RCVS Fellowship vice-chair election

Nominations have opened for the election to become vice-chair of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Fellowship Board.

Fellows who are interested have until 5pm on Friday, 13 September to nominate themselves for the position.

The Fellowship vice-chair is involved with implementing the Board's strategy. They will work to heighten its visibility, broaden its influence, and push for diversity in its membership.

Nominees will need to be supported by two other Fellows - a proposer and a seconder. Their application should include a biography of no more than 200 words, and a manifesto of no more than 300 words.

The election takes place between late September and early October, when all Fellows will be invited to vote for their preferred candidate.

Niall Connell FRCVS, recently elected Fellowship Board chair, said: "The position plays an important role with the chair as we work with the Board, our society of Fellows and the College to progress the development and activity of the fellowship.

"I really hope we see election applications from lots of our fellows, whether well-established or recent and from all backgrounds."

For more information or to apply visit the website.