Three people were injured after being attacked by an aggressive runaway donkey near the northern German coastal city of Cuxhaven on Friday. The animal broke loose and jumped into a van, kicking and biting two motorists before turning its attention to a 33-year-old woman who tried to help restrain it, police said.
Incident at Holssel roundabout
Passersby noticed the donkey, named Freddy, and a horse running loose at a roundabout in the town of Holssel, about 25km south of Cuxhaven. The motorists valiantly tried to secure the donkey, but it reportedly "became very aggressive" before launching its attack.
The 33-year-old woman who tried to help required hospital treatment, while the motorists sustained minor injuries, according to a police statement. "The reason for the animal's aggressive reaction is still unclear," the statement said.
Owner secures donkey
The incident only came to an end when the donkey's owner stepped in to secure him. Freddy was eventually caught by his owner, police confirmed.
Related rhino attack at safari park
Earlier this month, motorists in the UK were left horrified when two families believed they were "going to die" after their cars were smashed up by fighting rhinos at West Midlands Safari Park. The animals caused extensive damage when they rammed the vehicles of Zoe Farmer, 53, and Charlotte Baker, 24.
The pair watched in horror as two 1.5 tonne white rhinos charged at their cars, leaving children inside the vehicles screaming. Zoe's £19,000 Dacia Sandero Stepway was left with significant damage to the front and side, while Charlotte's £21,000 BMW 3 series suffered an estimated £6,000 worth of damage, and her husband needed to be hospitalised for back pain.
Both traumatised mums said they feared they'd die during the ordeal, and there were no park rangers in sight, meaning they had to carry on through the park with their mangled vehicles. The attraction, in Bewdley, Worcestershire, has since offered them free tickets as compensation, which Zoe and Charlotte branded "an insult."
