Paulien Leemans from Oss can’t get over it: once again a stranger has cut the pony of long-haired donkey Lou Lou in her animal pasture without asking, just like three years ago. “I’m really pissed off, don’t touch my ass!” is her response.
Leemans has been manager of the animal pasture in Ussen for thirty years and there have also been two donkeys there for several years. One of these is a French Poitou donkey and they are characterized by long hair over the eyes, just like a Scottish Highlander.
‘Natural protection’
Three years ago, a stranger had already trimmed the donkey’s bangs without asking. And now it has happened again. Paulien Leemans doesn’t understand it at all: “I was in Amsterdam for a few days, so it must have happened yesterday or today (Sunday, ed.). And no one in the area saw anything.” According to Leemans, the donkey has the long hair for a reason: “It is a natural protection for the eyes, to keep the flies away. And then someone will cut that hair away just before summer!”
The manager is also not really happy with the quality of the haircut: “It really doesn’t look good, it’s completely ‘wrong’. If it had been done by a dog groomer, it might have been something.” She says it with a smile, but she is noticeably affected by the incident. “I’m just always present here and everyone in the neighborhood knows me. Just talk to me if something is bothering you. But don’t do something like that.”
Peaceful old age
Donkey Lou Lou doesn’t seem really affected. “He is already very old and is sometimes a bit lame. We are keeping a close eye on him together with the vet. In any case, he is not yet at the point where we have to put him to sleep,” says Leemans. “He also sees a little less. Maybe that’s why they cut off the hair. But that’s really not the intention,” she adds again, just to be sure.
Meanwhile, the mystery remains as to who is responsible for the unsolicited haircuts. Paulien Leemans can only hope that Lou Lou can continue to enjoy his old age undisturbed.
