Dotty the donkey to receive bravery award

Tuesday, 5 April 2011 13:07

A rescued donkey that lives on a farm in Scarborough is to receive an award from the PDSA today for coming to the rescue of her friend Stanley, the sheep, who was being attacked by a dog.

The dog entered the animals' shared paddock and launched an attack on Stanley. Seeing her friend in trouble, the heroic donkey pinned the dog to the ground until it let go of Stanley. The terrified sheep lost two teeth and suffered facial paralysis as a result of the attack.

Now fully recovered, Stanley and Dotty are inseparable and share the same stable at night.

Dotty's owner, Ann Rogers, said: "Dotty was so brave that day. She saw her friend Stanley in distress and charged down the field to rescue him from the dog’s jaws.

“I am so proud of Dotty and so pleased that her bravery is being recognised by PDSA.”

Ann will accompany Dotty and Stanley to the presentation ceremony. “It will be an honour to stand beside them,” she said.

Elaine Pendlebury, PDSA senior veterinary surgeon, said: “Donkeys are very stoical and protective animals.

“Often when faced with a threat they will rise up to face their enemy, in this case an aggressive dog.

“Dotty showed herself to be a true protector of the animals she sees as her family and her bravery saved Stanley from further harm, and possibly death.”

Dotty was rescued by Ann Rogers three years ago when she saw her tethered on the side of the road, skinny and frail. Stanley, who is five years old, was orphaned as a new-born lamb. 

Dotty and Stanley share their home with a collection of pets and rescued animals, including rabbits, goats, peacocks and llamas.