Baby goats rescued after being dumped in bin

Two baby goats were found abandoned in a bin just hours after they were born, prompting a "heartbreaking" rescue, a Kent animal sanctuary has said.

A veterinary practice in Ashford raised the alert when a man walked into their reception with the freezing cold kids, who were brother and sister, after he found them in a bin at the end of his driveway on Monday.

Vets called Buttercups Sanctuary for Goats who found the female goat, Veolia, was struggling to walk, and the male goat, Biffa, had a lung issue and might not make it through the night.

The pair were bottle-fed overnight by a farmer before they were taken to the sanctuary in Boughton Monchelsea, Maidstone, where they are recovering.

Sanctuary spokesman Matt Huggins said rescuers had been involved in heartbreaking rescues but some left them "truly shocked" and this was one.

He said rescuers went to collect the goats while the sanctuary team prepared a "warm, snuggly and safe bed for the expected arrivals".

As soon as the pair reached Buttercups they were taken to their bespoke new pen and the team worked to provide "the best possible care", he said.

"Almost immediately, they snuggled up amongst the thick straw," he said.

"Beneath the comfort of a heat lamp, together they fell asleep by each other's side, too tired for even a bottle."

Since the rescue, Veolia has taken her first steps and is gaining confidence and Biffa's lung issues are being monitored.

Huggins said the pair were "not out of the woods yet, and have a long road ahead to recover from the abuse that they have suffered and endured at such a crucial part of their lives".

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