Two newborn goats, discarded in a public litter bin in freezing conditions just hours after their birth, have survived against all odds thanks to a vigilant passerby and swift veterinary care.
A Chilling Discovery in Ashford
On January 5, a member of the public in Ashford, Kent, was shocked to hear faint bleating coming from a public dustbin. Peering inside, they discovered two tiny, wet kids huddled amongst the rubbish, their umbilical cords still attached, indicating they were only hours old. In a stroke of luck, the bin was situated just yards from a veterinary practice.
The rescuer immediately ran to the vet's reception with the fragile animals. Veterinary staff sprang into action, working to keep the weak brother and sister warm. Their first critical task was to find colostrum, the nutrient-rich first milk vital for newborn survival.
The Fight for Survival
A frantic search led them to a local sheep farm, where a ewe that had recently given birth was able to donate the life-saving milk. Once stabilised, the kids were transferred to the Buttercups Sanctuary for Goats in Monchelsea, near Maidstone, for ongoing specialist care.
In a fitting twist, the sanctuary named the pair after two of the UK's leading waste management firms: Biffa (brown) and Veolia (white). In a remarkable gesture, Biffa Waste Management has now stepped forward and agreed to fund the veterinary care and upkeep of its namesake goat for the next year.
A Miraculous Recovery and a Stark Reminder
Against the odds, both goats have made a full recovery. Sanctuary staff report they are now happily running around their enclosure, embracing their second chance at life.
Ben Ward, Head of Hoofstock at Buttercups, said: "It’s very fortunate that the two survived after being placed in a bin hours after their birth in such cold weather. It’s very sad that someone would do that... it seems likely they were placed in the bin near a vet’s on purpose in the hope they might be found in time."
A sanctuary spokesperson added: "This heartbreaking case reminds us why our work matters. We urge the public to consider the impact of abandonment and to support charities like ours that fight for the welfare of vulnerable animals."
