Staff from the Sidmouth-based Donkey Sanctuary were shocked to find two donkeys that had suffered seriously damaged hooves during their owner’s botched attempt to trim their feet using a carpenter’s chisel.

The stallion donkeys were found in North Wales by the RSPCA who approached the owner several months ago regarding the donkeys being underweight and having long feet. They informed him that the animals desperately needed to see a farrier. The owner did not make any arrangements and in June 2010 the RSPCA advised the owner to sign the donkeys over to The Donkey Sanctuary for the sake of their health.

Shortly before the donkeys were due to be collected; the owner decided that he would attempt to trim the donkeys’ feet himself using a chisel. This reckless and brutal act left both animals struggling with extremely damaged and sore feet.

Both donkeys have been taken to the charity’s centre in Derbyshire where they can receive a programme of concentrated farriery to rectify the effects of years of neglect and the callous trimming that they have experienced. They will also need a great deal of care and attention to bring them up to a healthy weight.

Chris Pile, manager of the Sanctuary’s Derbyshire Centre, says: “Sadly, these donkeys have experienced years of neglect and are seriously underweight. That, coupled with the dreadful injuries that have been inflicted upon their feet, means that it is going to take a great deal of professional care to bring these lovely animals back to full health. Despite all they have experienced, both donkeys have lovely natures and are learning to trust humans again.”

These two donkeys will be cared for at the Derbyshire Centre until they are fit enough to travel to the charity’s main farm in Devon. Since its foundation in 1969, The Donkey Sanctuary has provided refuge to over 14,500 donkeys throughout the UK and Europe.