‘He leaves a huge hole’: equine charity’s sad farewell to staff and visitor favourite

The loss of a donkey of a “rare and extraordinary breed” leaves a “huge hole” at his home for the past 13 years.

Poitou Dartanyan had to be put down aged 14. The Donkey Sanctuary Sidmouth took in the 15hh donkey in 2011 and he became a favourite with staff, volunteers and visitors, “known for his distinctive, shaggy coat and tall stature”.

Dartanyan had a history of medical conditions, including an episode of cellulitis in one of his hind legs in 2022, a spokesperson for the sanctuary explained...