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The newborn donkey foal that escaped the horror of Spindles Farm
Last updated at 00:22am on 13.01.08A few days ago his fate would have too awful to contemplate.
But as he totters under the watchful eye of his mother, this donkey foal now has a happy life ahead of him.
Named Timothy, he was born on Thursday night - a day after his mother, called Mary, was saved from Spindles Farm in Hyde Heath, Buckinghamshire.
Mary was among 81 donkeys, horses and ponies seized by police and the RSPCA after they were found starving on the farm run by meat trader Jamie Gray. Scroll down for more...
Rescued: Timothy was born the day after his mother was rescued from Spindles Farm
A further 31 of the pitiful creatures were found dead and another three had to be put down because they were suffering so much.
Mary gave birth after being transported with another seven donkeys to the Redwings Sanctuary based at Hapton, Norfolk.
All were said to be underweight, with matted hair and suffering from lice, ringworm and overgrown hooves.
Staff knew that Mary was heavily pregnant and immediately put her in her own warm stable with a plentiful supply of hay.
Timothy was born at around 10.30pm on Thursday. Sanctuary spokesman Nicola Markwell said: "He is doing extremely well considering the traumatic time that his mother has been through.
"He is a delightful little foal and is a really good size.
"We are still keeping a close eye on Mary because she has been through a lot in the last couple of days and is still quite poorly."
Gray, 44, is facing a major investigation by the RSPCA, which is hoping to gather enough evidence to bring a prosecution.
Reader views (3)
Here's a sample of the latest views published.
This is a sickening story of the abuse of animals on a huge scale. Why were some of these animals bought for only £1.00? How is this trade in animals possible without guidelines as to who is buying them, why they are buying them and where they are going to? Pigs can't be moved without a Ministry of Agriculture 'movement order' perhaps it's time the law was altered to protect all animals?
Praise to the people who got this horror stopped.
Bless little Timothy the donkey who has been born into the light of kindness and care.
- Jo Bradbury, Ulverston, England
How disappointing that Mr Gray's court appearance was postponed today at his request.
I was not aware that people accused of a crime could dictate their own timetable when it came to court appearances...
It is truly wonderful that out of a situation so tragic, a new life begins. Welcome Timothy.
- Rebecca, South Wales
What a miracle baby. Spindles Farm is a horrible, disgusting place - its hard to believe that such treatment of animals is tolerated and this place is allowed to even exist. Allowing this place and others like it is simply unaccectable in a civilized nation. Bestowing pain, fear and a tortuous existence upon these helpless, voiceless animals is beyond the realm of compassionate people's understanding.
One would think we were talking about activities in a "3rd World Country" - not Great Britian. So much for civilization.
Thank God Mary was able to get out in the nick of time with the other lucky ones and sweet little Timothy was able to see the light of day.
Dawn M.
Michigan, USA
- Dawn Usa, United States
