Dotty the Donkey gets PDSA award for saving sheep Published duration 5 April 2011

A donkey which saved a sheep from being savaged by a dog has been honoured for her bravery.

Dotty came to the aid of her friend Stanley in their shared paddock when a dog launched a frenzied attack on him, according to animal charity the PDSA.

She pinned the dog to the ground until it let go of five-year-old Stanley.

On Tuesday, Dotty was presented with the PDSA Certificate for Animal Bravery at her farm in Throxenby, near Scarborough, North Yorkshire.

Nearly two years on, the two animals are inseparable - even sharing the same stable at night.

Her owner Ann Rogers, 63, said: "Dotty was so brave that day.

"She saw her friend Stanley in distress and charged down the field to rescue him from the dog's jaws.

"I am so proud of Dotty and so pleased that her bravery is being recognised by PDSA."

'Aggressive dog'

PDSA senior vet Elaine Pendlebury said: "Donkeys are very stoical and protective animals.

"Often when faced with a threat they will rise up to face their enemy, in this case an aggressive dog.

"Dotty showed herself to be a true protector of the animals she sees as her family and her bravery saved Stanley from further harm, and possibly death."

Mrs Rogers explained how she came across Dotty three years ago tethered on the side of the road where she was skinny and frail.

She rescued the animal and put her on her Row Brow Farm smallholding where she shares fields with Stanley, who was orphaned as a newborn lamb.

The pair share the paddocks with a menagerie of pets and rescued animals including rabbits, goats, peacocks and llamas.