Newborn baby donkey Moon was taken from her farm in Hampshire and was missing for more than two weeks. The concerning disappearance sparked “countless calls and online reports from members of the public” according to the Hampshire Police. Fortunately, on Wednesday evening, the animal was finally reunited with its mother, Astra, at Miller’s Ark Animals in Hook, Hampshire.
The police have now confirmed that a 17-year-old man and 38-year-old man from High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, were arrested on Thursday evening on suspicion of theft.
A police statement read: “Officers from our Countrywatch team, assisted by the Thames Valley Police Rural Crime Taskforce, made two arrests yesterday evening.
“A 17-year-old male and a 38-year-old male from High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, were arrested at 8pm on 1 June on suspicion of theft.
“Suspected stolen plant machinery was also recovered from the scene on Whitehouse Lane in High Wycombe.
“Both have been released under investigation while further inquiries continue.”
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The recovered foal was found “unharmed” and “in good health”.
A video posted on the farm’s Facebook page shows the farm’s owner Elizabeth Miller hugging and kissing Moon.
The post read: “We are beyond thrilled and mum and foal are finally back together.
“Moon appears to be in good health, thank heavens, and we will make sure that Moon and her mum, Astra, get lots of love and care as they rediscover each other.
The theft has left Moon’s mother Astra distraught, and she was filmed crying for her missing newborn.
Pam Jessopp, a farm volunteer, thanked the public for their support during the search.
She said: “We are beyond excited. You always hold out hope but as the timeframe 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.”
The donkey’s recovery followed a tip from a woman who saw a baby donkey in the back of a car driving away from the farm on 15 May.
The witness’ claim prompted an appeal for information on a blue estate car.
At the time, Hampshire Police said: “A woman reported she had been driving with her friend at about 3pm on 15 May on Upper Hale Road in Farnham when she came to a stop at some traffic lights at the junction with A325.
“She said the car in front of her, a blue estate of unknown make and model, had a baby donkey in the back. The blue estate turned right at the traffic lights towards Farnham.”
