Three neglected donkeys, whose hooves had grown so long they were struggling to walk, have been rescued from a Cumbrian farm.
Inspectors said Gilly, Holly and Snowy’s untreated hooves – which were 10cm longer than they should have been – were the worst example of foot neglect they had ever seen.
“Even from a distance you could see how abnormally long the donkeys’ hooves were, making it difficult for them to walk naturally,” said Sally Bamforth of international animal welfare charity The Donkey Sanctuary.
“When walking they lifted their legs up much higher than would be usual to reduce the chance of their hooves catching the ground and clipping into the dirt.
“It was clear that Gilly, Holly and Snowy had been suffering from neglect for some time for their feet to be so overgrown and that all three would need urgent veterinary treatment.”
The donkeys were also extremely overweight, as they had been left on a farm to graze on acres of lush pasture after their owners had to move due to a change in circumstances.
They were rescued following a call from a concerned member of the public and, after months of treatment, are now making good progress.
Sally said: “It’s incredible to see the transformation of the donkeys’ hooves and how Gilly, Snowy and Holly are now moving about freely, without discomfort.
“Sadly situations like this are not uncommon. Lack of appropriate hoof care is still one of the most common welfare issues faced by donkeys in the UK today.”
The donkeys will remain in the care of the international animal welfare charity, either in one of its sanctuaries or in a Guardian Home through its rehoming scheme.
