UPDATE: Two newborn goats were shockingly discovered abandoned in a bin near Ashford on January 5, 2023. The brother and sister, believed to be just a few hours old, were found with their umbilical cords still attached, raising urgent concerns about their well-being.
A local resident stumbled upon the distressed siblings and swiftly transported them to a veterinarian. The vet immediately alerted Buttercups Goat Sanctuary in Maidstone, which specializes in rescuing animals in need. Head of hoof stock, Ben Ward, described the situation as a critical rescue mission.
“They called us very late that day, saying they needed a safe place for the goats,” Ward stated. “We responded immediately.” After spending the night warming the goats and administering colostrum—the essential first milk—staff worked tirelessly to stabilize the pair.
The female goat, named Veolia, struggled to support her own weight, while her brother, Biffa, faced severe lung issues. “Biffa was given antibiotics, but we were seriously concerned he wouldn’t survive the night,” Ward explained. Fortunately, both goats survived their first night at the sanctuary and were relocated to a safer pen.
Now, 24 hours later, the siblings are showing signs of recovery. “Veolia has taken her first steps, and Biffa is displaying determination,” Ward reported. Despite their progress, the whereabouts of their mother remain unknown, prompting fears about her treatment and the possibility of other goats facing similar neglect.
Ward expressed deep concern over the circumstances surrounding the goats’ abandonment. “Every time I think I’ve seen it all, something like this occurs,” he said. “It’s heartbreaking to witness such neglect.”
To support the ongoing care of Veolia and Biffa, donations can be made to Buttercups Sanctuary, which has dedicated over 30 years to rescuing goats from cruelty and abandonment. The sanctuary continues to work diligently to ensure these vulnerable animals receive the love and care they desperately need.
This urgent rescue sheds light on the critical need for responsible animal ownership and the ongoing struggles faced by sanctuaries. The plight of Veolia and Biffa highlights the importance of community awareness in preventing such heart-wrenching situations in the future.
