In a shocking act of cruelty with a miraculous outcome, two newborn baby goats were discovered dumped in a public litter bin in freezing conditions, only hours after their birth. The tiny Anglo Nubian kids were saved by the quick actions of a member of the public in Ashford, Kent, on January 5.
A Chilling Discovery in Ashford
The drama began when a passerby heard faint bleating coming from a public bin. Peering inside, they were met with a heartbreaking sight: two tiny, wet figures huddled amongst the rubbish. Their umbilical cords were still attached, a clear sign they were mere hours old. In a fortuitous twist, the rescuer looked up to see they were just yards from a veterinary practice. They immediately rushed the fragile kids inside, an act that would prove to be lifesaving.
The Fight for Survival
Veterinary staff sprang into action, working to keep the weak brother and sister warm. Their most urgent task was finding colostrum, the nutrient-rich first milk vital for newborn survival. Frantic calls led them to a local sheep farm, where a ewe that had recently given birth provided the life-saving donation. Once stable, the pair, aptly named Biffa and Veolia after two major UK waste management firms, were transferred to the Buttercups Sanctuary for Goats in Monchelsea, near Maidstone.
A New Beginning and a Corporate Gesture
Against all odds, the goats have made a full recovery. Sanctuary staff report they are now running happily in their enclosure, embracing their second chance at life. In a remarkable turn, Biffa Waste Management has agreed to fund the veterinary care and ongoing costs for the goat named in its honour for the next year.
Ben Ward, Head of Hoofstock at Buttercups, reflected on the narrow escape: “It’s very fortunate that the two survived after being placed in a bin hours after their birth in such cold weather.” He speculated that the bin's location near a vet may have been a deliberate, if desperate, act.
A sanctuary spokesperson stated: “This heartbreaking case reminds us why our work matters... We urge the public to consider the impact of abandonment and to support charities like ours that fight for the welfare of vulnerable animals.” The story of Biffa and Veolia stands as a powerful testament to both human compassion and animal resilience.
