Donkeys, often overlooked and underrated, are animals with an incredible spirit and a heartwarming ability to bring joy and healing to those who care for them. These gentle creatures have been domesticated for thousands of years, serving as beasts of burden, transportation, and loyal companions. However, not all donkeys are fortunate enough to have a loving home. Many find themselves in dire situations, neglected, abused, or abandoned. This is just such a donkey. His name is Biscuit.
I live and work on the Caribbean island of St. Kitts. St. Kitts is rich in history and we are surrounded by that history daily, some of that history is painful. Peppered all across the island are remnants of sugar cane processing structures that date back to the 1700's. Notably these are stone windmill foundations from the 1700's and from the 1800's, in very close proximity, are 50' tall stone chimneys. It was exploring the site of one of these ruins a few years ago when I came across "Biscuit".
That was a few years ago. About 5 months ago, I became re-acquainted with Biscuit [named by my wife] and I have visited him at that ruins site now very often and have assessed his situation. As the ruins are situated on the mountainside just above the village of Cayon,They are far off the beaten path, so it is with intention one must go there.
Biscuit is chained to a stake that is periodically moved around the ruins. His chain is approx. 30ft long and he has a 5-gallon bucket for water. Oftentimes Biscuit's chain is caught up on thick vegetation or tangled on a tree stump and that can restrict his range for grazing or his ability to reach his water bucket. Recently, due to the catching on the vegetation, he could only go approx 6ft. The water bucket is not secured and it may get tipped over and thus is empty. Biscuit's diet is "scrub" with some opportunity to get to the guinea grass, when it is within his reach.
Biscuit was "fitted" with a halter that was ill-fitting and caused both deep lacerations and created wear "lesions". I have arranged for veterinarians to address these issues and we recently purchased a brand new one that fits well and does not rub his skin. We did not ask permission. It was needed.
With intention I visit Biscuit every weekend day and ensure that his grazing range is not obstructed, that his water bucket is upright and full, and I bring a few carrots and apples to him. I have removed burrs from his coat and used a curry comb to clean him up. For several weeks now, Biscuit brays upon my arrival and follows me to the end of his chain when I walk away to leave.
The owner has not been responsive to Biscuits daily care needs and may be further delegating his care to someone who doesn't give a damn about this donkey.
I and a few other concerned individuals are pressing the owner to transfer ownership of Biscuit to my company so that he can get his daily needs met as well as good veterinary and farrier care and shelter from the environment.
I frequently post pictures of Biscuit to instagram with the hashtag #donkeysofinstagram
EASTER UPDATE April 9, 2023
When I arrived late this afternoon Biscuit had managed to get his chain tangle amongst some stonework. He could not turnaround nor move much more than 2 feet. It was easy to untangle if one has hands. I do not know how long he was in that situation. He was hungry though. He has a mango tree overhead and even though they are not ripe yet, a few fall off the tree and he has eaten some of them. I again provided carrots and apples. I cut some free guinea grass for him. It was his Easter dinner.
Comments
Post a Comment