Baby donkey stolen from north Hampshire farm returns home

A baby donkey that was stolen from a petting farm in Hook near Basingstoke over two weeks ago has been found and returned home.

Moon who is only a few months old was taken from Miller's Ark on Monday 15 May.

Staff at the farm were extremely concerned for the foal's welfare as she was still reliant on her mother's milk.

Late last night (31 May) Hampshire Police say they were contacted by the farm, who had been sent some information about Moon.

They deployed officers to an address on White House Lane in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire.

At around 8.15pm the stolen donkey was located, recovered and returned to the delight of the owners.

Police Sergeant Stuart Ross, of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary’s Countrywatch team, said:

"This was a fantastic piece of joint working from Countrywatch and Thames Valley Police's Rural Task Force team.

"Our appeals to find Moon attracted countless calls and online reports from members of the public with possible sightings and potential lines of enquiry and we want to thank everyone who shared these appeals and got in touch with us.

"We are absolutely delighted about this positive outcome.

"Hampshire & the Isle of Wight Constabulary’s Country Watch team will continue with an investigation into the circumstances of the theft of this donkey."

In a Facebook update on Thursday (1 June) Miller's Ark confirmed the wonderful news that Moon had been found:

"Yesterday evening we travelled to Buckinghamshire, liaised with Thames Valley Police and have recovered little Moon.

"We are beyond thrilled and Mum and foal are finally back together.

"Moon appears to be in good health, thank heaven, and we will make sure that Moon and her mum Astra get lots of love and care as they re discover each other.

"It is because of all of you, amazing people, who have supported Moon, Astra and the team at Miller’s Ark, sharing this story far and wide - and now you have brought her home."

Pamela Jessopp, of Millers Ark Animals, added:

"We are beyond excited ecstatic. You always hold out hope but as the time frame and the time window got larger you do wonder if she would be found or not.

"It is so much down to members of the public, our supporters that have got the word out there and spread it on social media. It's been a heartfelt story that has caught people's emotions.

"We are very grateful to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, Surrey Police and Thames Valley Police for their support and investigation and for the speedy action last night."

The investigation is still ongoing so anyone with information should call 101 quoting reference 44230191581.

• Hook