Devastated family fear stolen donkey could ‘die of heartbreak’ after being snatched just days before Christmas
A heartbroken family is appealing for the return of their 20-year-old donkey Winston, who they fear could 'die of heartbreak' after being stolen before Christmas.
Amy Doran, 39, from Wales, is concerned that the beloved family pet could end up being used as a 'prop' in a nativity scene as Christmas Day approaches.
Winston was stolen from a field near Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire, on December 9.
The disappearance of Blackpool's former beach donkey has left Mrs Doran and her two daughters devastated, with his return at the top of their Christmas lists.
But what worries Ms Doran most is that donkeys can “die of separation, they can die of a broken heart.”
Amy Doran, 39, from Wales, is concerned that the beloved family pet could end up being used as a 'prop' in a nativity scene as Christmas Day approaches. In the photo: Amy's daughter with Winston
She said: 'What the person who stole it probably doesn't realize is that donkeys can die of separation, they can die of a broken heart.
'They don't realize the after-effects.
'I don't care if someone dumps him in a field. All I care about is getting him back.”
Four-year-old Bella has put Winston's return at the top of her Christmas list.
She and her three-year-old sister Grace were both 'devastated' by his disappearance.
Bella wrote: 'Dear Santa, please bring my donkey home this Christmas.'
Winston was stolen from a field near Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire, on December 9
The disappearance of Blackpool's former beach donkey has left Mrs Doran and her two daughters devastated, with his return at the top of their Christmas lists
Winston is described as a 'very trusting' and 'older' animal.
His disappearance comes after a donkey sanctuary in Devon claimed it had taken in 72 animals in one day, the largest rescue of its kind.
According to the Donkey Sanctuary, 20 of the females were pregnant.
They were held in poor living conditions on a farm in Wales and removed by the RSPCA and Dyfed-Powys Police in February 2021.
After three years they have now been rehomed in the Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth.
Winston is described as a 'very trusting' and 'older' animal