A shocking act of cruelty was uncovered in Ashford, Kent, on Monday morning when a local resident discovered two newborn goats abandoned in a bin at the end of his driveway.
A Desperate Rescue in the Biting Cold
The man, whose quick thinking proved vital, immediately rushed the tiny, freezing brother and sister to a nearby veterinary practice. Staff at the vet alerted the team at Buttercups Sanctuary for Goats, the UK's only dedicated goat charity, who said they were 'truly shocked' by the callous abandonment.
Upon assessment, the female kid, later named Veolia, was found to be so weak she could barely walk. Her brother, named Biffa, was in an even more critical condition, battling a severe lung infection that left rescuers fearing he would not survive the night.
Emergency Care and a Long Road to Recovery
A local farmer provided emergency overnight bottle-feeding before the pair could be transferred to their permanent rescue home in Boughton Monchelsea. The sanctuary team prepared a bespoke, warm pen with deep straw and heat lamps. Spokesman Matt Huggins reported the exhausted kids fell asleep side-by-side immediately, too tired to even feed at first.
In a poignant nod to where they were found, the goats were named after waste management companies. Veolia has committed to paying for a year's worth of food for both animals.
There are now cautious signs of improvement. Sanctuary staff report Veolia has taken her first confident steps this week. Biffa's breathing is under close specialist monitoring, and he is beginning to show playful, kid-like behaviour. However, the team warns they are not yet 'out of the woods' and face a long recovery from their traumatic start.
Community Support and How to Help
The story has sparked an international wave of support, including touching donations from staff at the refuse companies. As a charity relying entirely on public donations, this support is crucial for providing the 24-hour care Veolia and Biffa need.
Buttercups Sanctuary is typically open to the public four days a week. Visitors can feed the goats and enjoy the paddocks, with all proceeds from the on-site shop and refreshments funding animal care.
If you wish to support Veolia and Biffa's recovery, you can donate directly via the Buttercups Sanctuary for Goats website.
