Look, I know this is a crap photo, but my hands were shaking and it was a bit dark.
When I went to shut the donkeys in this evening, the hunt (who of course weren't chasing foxes...... coz that's illegal) were on the opposite side of the valley. The hounds got a scent and ended up on our side of the valley. My eldest son and his friend were also in the field and the fox ran about 30 feet behind us and got out of our field. I knew that the hounds would follow so I quickly shut our dog in a stable and tried to get the goats in, but couldn't. Eventually the dogs got the scent and about 30 got in as well. All hell broke loose. 3 of the donkeys (one of whom was literally at death's door just before Christmas) galloped up the field after the dogs whilst eeyoring as loud as their lungs would allow. The goats were right behind. They chased all but three of the dogs off.
Joey Boy (my particularly rickety donk) was stood by me throughout. He spotted the three remaining dogs and chased them off eeyoring (which he never does). Meanwhile the people on horses were sat on the opposite side of the valley watching. I would love to know what they were thinking seeing their dogs being chased by donkeys.
They couldn't have followed the dogs because of the fenced off river at the bottom of the valley, but if they could have I have no doubt that our field would have been full of them as well.
I dread to think what would have happened to the goats if the donks hadn't been there. Donkeys instinctively attack dogs because their only natural predators in the wild are wolves, and unlike horses, who run at the first sign of danger, donkeys usually face it and go on the offensive (all part of not being herd animals, but more solitary in the wild.)
This picture, if it was clearer, would show one of the hounds whose face was completely ripped open......... fox hunting (oh no, sorry NOT fox hunting coz that's illegal.....) the sport of gentlemen.
Got to inspect the fences tomorrow to see what damage has been done.
Oh dear, how awful. You must of been so shaken. What I don't get is that if my dog got into a field & chased the livestock the farmer would have the right to shoot my dog. Yet this? Whilst they watch? And they wonder why people oppose them.
I totally agree with Jo.... I am so sorry you have had such a shock... and for them to just sit and watch... grrrrrrrrrrrrr it makes me so angry.
Thank god for your gorgeous donkeys...... the sport of gentleman...grrrrrrrrrr they are total idiots!!!!!!! I had better go before I get to carried away on my soapbox..... sending you ((hugs)) ♥
I despise it and those that pretend to be, as you say, gentlemen. They destroy our countryside and cause so much harm. I'm sorry you had to experience this :-(
What a hideous experience for you >:(
Bravo to your donkeys and goats to chase the trespassing dogs out of the field and glad you managed to get your dog to safety.
How can these people be allowed to let their hounds onto other people's property, scaring animals and owners alike? It's crazy!
Glad you are all safe XXXXX
what a horrible thing to happen, don't suppose there's anything you can do about it either, beyond clearing up the mess they made. Glad your animals were not hurt.
@armorel Thanks, although I don't think that the goats were actually chasing, I think that they were just sticking with the donks for protection. When the donkeys were shut in tonight the goats tried to follow me back to the house even tho they had been left with their favourite food - not much can normally drag them away from that.
What a story Jan, I think its wonderful that your animals reacted like that, as though they were protecting you and the rest of the 'family'. Incredible!
Wow- how terrifying for you- so glad your donks saved the day! Luckily your animals were saved, wish the same were true of the hounds, & I especially wish those "gentlemen hunters" could be made to suffer what the foxes & their own dogs endure!
It amazes me just how many hunts there are around the Cotswolds - we run in to them quite regularly - have never met such an arrogant & obnoxious group of people and the thugs that they now seem to hire to accompany them. The picture of the injured dog says it all really.
Bravo to your wonderful donkeys for looking out for the goats - extra rations for them as a reward !!
Jan I am so sorry that you had this awful experience. I hope that you and your family, and all of your animals are ok. I also hope the animals, like this poor dog, who get dragged in are ok. I am sure that you can complain, how else can you rpotect your animals, as you said.. what if you werent there. I hate the selfish self centered people that show no care or respect for others.. take care .
Thank god for your gorgeous donkeys...... the sport of gentleman...grrrrrrrrrr they are total idiots!!!!!!! I had better go before I get to carried away on my soapbox..... sending you ((hugs)) ♥
Bravo to your donkeys and goats to chase the trespassing dogs out of the field and glad you managed to get your dog to safety.
How can these people be allowed to let their hounds onto other people's property, scaring animals and owners alike? It's crazy!
Glad you are all safe XXXXX
Bravo to your wonderful donkeys for looking out for the goats - extra rations for them as a reward !!