Businessman covers donkey's costs

"Chocolate Muffin" has been given his own stable

A philanthropic businessman has stepped in to pay the cost of caring for a donkey saved from an early death.

The owners of "Chocolate Muffin" could no longer care for it and decided to send it to an abattoir last month.

But now Adam Murry, of Dorset, supporter of wildlife schemes with The Murry Foundation, has provided the cash to save the donkey.

Staff and customers at The Oven Door Bakery in Fair Oak, Hampshire, also raised £200 to buy the creature.

They responded after an appeal by St Francis Animal Welfare, where Chocolate Muffin is now being cared for.

It has its own stable at St Francis, and will share the paddock with resident ponies, September and Bugsy, both of whom were also saved from a premature death by the charity.

Last month the animal charity said more funds were needed for a veterinary check-up for Chocolate Muffin and for a visit from the farrier, as the donkey's hooves were overgrown.