The UK is “failing its working donkeys, research has found, as anyone visiting attractions offering rides is urged to consider equine welfare before they pay for services.

Research carried out by The Donkey Sanctuary due to be published on 30 May in Veterinary Record, highlights a shift in the role of donkeys’ roles, which can mean new welfare issues.

“While traditionally associated with seaside rides, donkeys are increasingly used in a wide range of commercial settings – from supporting human wellbeing, appearing in films and other media, and as attractions in farm parks or petting zoos,” a Donkey Sanctuary spokesperson said. “These evolving labour roles bring new and often overlooked welfare challenges, raising concerns about how effectively current regulatory systems safeguard the donkeys.”

The study considered welfare of donkeys who had been resigned into the charity’s care from licensed commercial operators and those whose premises had been attended by donkey welfare advisers. These included donkeys given up voluntarily or after intervention, sometimes with RSPCA support.

“Of the 179* donkeys assessed, almost all were suffering from poor health, including back pain, lameness and welfare issues relating to low weight as well as inadequate dental or hoof care,” the spokesperson said. “Notably, almost three-quarters of these animals had been working as beach donkeys.”

Animal-related activities are subject to licensing by local authorities, which means councils must have licensing officers with knowledge of equine welfare, or involve vets for welfare assessment and decision making.

Not necessarily negligence

Donkey Sanctuary senior researcher Tamlin Watson, lead author of the study, said issues are not necessarily a result of negligence.

“Licensing authorities are expected to oversee an incredibly diverse range of premises from gambling venues to theme parks and zoos, often without the specialist knowledge or resources required to properly assess animal welfare in a diverse number of species,” she said.

“We were recently involved in a continuing professional development (CPD) online event for farm parks at which 79 per cent of attendees were local authority officers. The success of that event suggests there is an appetite for specialist training and a genuine desire to ensure the welfare of animals under licence. Further events are planned for 2027.”

She added that there is a lack of consistent veterinary involvement in licensing, which must improve, but that the research “suggests that vets too sometimes need a better understanding of donkey welfare needs”.

“The study concludes that licensing alone does not guarantee positive welfare outcomes for donkeys, even in cases where veterinary oversight is a formal requirement,” the spokesperson said. “It also points to the need for a more informed and coordinated approach to safeguarding their welfare in an evolving commercial landscape.

“As the holiday season approaches, The Donkey Sanctuary is urging people visiting farm parks or seaside resorts where donkey rides are offered to consider the welfare of the animals involved before paying for services.”

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A woman who ran a beach donkey business for 30 years has been sentenced after 25 equines were found living in a “neglected state”, despite the fact over £22,000 had been raised to help care for them.

Licensed donkey operator Margarite Geraldine Gibson, 77, of Netherby Close, Sleights, Whitby, who ran Whitby Donkeys on the local beach in Yorkshire, pleaded guilty to four offences under the Animal Welfare Act when she appeared at Scarborough Magistrates’ Court on 12 January.

On 24 February 2021 the RSPCA and staff from the Donkey Sanctuary attended the site at Netherby Close following concerns raised by a member of the public about the welfare of a number of equines in Gibson’s care.

RSPCA inspector Claire Little found 13 donkeys, 11 ponies and one mule in a paddock that had “many hazards”. Other mules, donkeys and ponies were “crowded together” in stables with little or no access to forage or water.

“It was apparent when looking at the stables and sheds that there was no hay and water available to the animals inside,” said Ms Little.

“There were multiple donkeys in the barn/lean-to area at the rear of the stables. The ground appeared to comprise a thick layer of straw and faeces. There was a water butt outside that appeared to be collecting rainwater. This water was not available to the animals, but they were seen straining to access it.”

Ms Little added that there were three “overcrowded” stables in a state of disrepair, held together by rope or baler twine, with wet deep-litter bedding, containing multiple animals.

“Inside the stables a number of donkeys were found to be underweight with their spines and pelvises clearly visible, while others had poor coats with lice and scabs visible on their bodies,” said an RSPCA spokesman.

“Some had other health concerns such as lameness and dental issues. Others had long overgrown hooves so were struggling to walk and others had thrush, which was so severe it was causing their feet to bleed.”

The spokesman said Gibson told Ms Little that she had struggled with veterinary care and farrier treatment owing to Covid-19. This caused her to struggle financially and a GoFundMe had previously raised £22,000. Gibson said she still had some of that money but was “trying to make it last”.

“She was offered relinquishment as an option to reduce the number of animals in her care and related costs, but declined the offer,” the spokesman said, adding that the charity advised Gibson she would need veterinary and farriery care for the equines and she was “given a chance” to improve their care and living conditions.

“Further ongoing support and help was offered but it soon became clear further intervention was needed. On a return visit it was found that no improvements had been made and there was no hay or water for the stabled donkeys and ponies. Gibson signed over 25 equines into the care of the RSPCA and the Donkey Sanctuary.”

The court heard the RSPCA, Donkey Sanctuary and World Horse Welfare had been involved with the defendant since 2016 on an “ongoing basis” in an effort to help her improve the welfare of her equids.

Gibson’s solicitor added that it was “a sad end to a very long history of working with equines for over 60 years and she had run a donkey ride business on her local beach for 30 years”.

In mitigation, the defendant’s age was taken into consideration.

She was banned from keeping animals for life and given a 14-week prison sentence, suspended for two years. She was also ordered to pay £250 costs and a £128 victim surcharge.

The spokesman said the equids are “recovering well” at the RSPCA Fell Edge centre and the Donkey Sanctuary, and will be rehomed soon.

“We often work with partner charities to tackle animal welfare issues and we are so grateful to the Donkey Sanctuary for all their wonderful work and support in this matter. It is heartening to see how well the animals now look and one went on to have a gorgeous foal too,” said Ms Little.

Hannah Bryer, head of welfare at the Donkey Sanctuary, added that in this case the needs of the animals “far outstripped” what the owner was able to provide for them.

“The situation was complex, and the welfare issues were further compounded by the large numbers of equines kept on a small site,” she said.

“Without this intervention, their suffering would have only continued. Thanks to our supporters, we have been able to provide all the donkeys and mules with a safe and secure future, either on our rehoming scheme or at one of our sanctuaries.”

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Three people who ran donkey rides on Blackpool beach have been banned from keeping all animals for three years after “shocking” footage was captured of donkeys being assaulted.

The RSPCA attended Fir Tree Farm House, Harbour Lane, Salwick on 25 September 2017 after receiving footage from concerned members of the public of a “series of brutal and needless attacks” on donkeys. At the property, inspectors found 29 donkeys and 15 Pomeranian dogs living in ”filthy” conditions. Two of the donkeys were put down on vet’s advice, owing to ongoing health issues.

At Blackpool Magistrates’ Court on 24 September, 43-year-old Andrew Lomas, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to two charges under the Animal Welfare Act. He was convicted of a further 10 charges and found not guilty of one in relation to donkeys in his care. He was sentenced to 14 weeks in custody, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work and pay £385 costs.

Suzzana Taylor, 48, no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to eight welfare charges, was convicted of 13 and found not guilty of two in relation to donkeys and Pomeranian dogs in her care. She was sentenced to 14 weeks in custody, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to do 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days. She must also pay a £100 fine, £385 costs and a £115 victim surcharge.

Grace Taylor, 18, of no fixed abode, was convicted of 13 welfare charges and found not guilty of two in relation to donkeys and Pomeranian dogs in her care. She was sentenced to a 12-month community order and ordered to do 30 rehabilitation activity requirement days, 150 hours of unpaid work and pay costs of £415.

The court heard Grace Taylor was 17 at the time, had lost good character and had a troubled background with mental health issues. It was heard that the local authority had had no issue with Suzzanna Taylor’s donkey licence for years and credit was given for her guilty pleas at the beginning of the trial. Her charity work and a character witness was taken into account. Suzzanna Taylor crossed the custody threshold, but the sentence was suspended taking into account her caring commitments and good character.

RSPCA inspector Amy McIntosh, who lead the investigation, said: “The footage of the donkeys being assaulted is shocking and appalling particularly the flying kick on the donkey Bruce. Their terrible treatment is compounded by the fact that the people inflicting it were making money from them.

“These donkeys are such lovely, docile and friendly animals whose wonderful nature was evident in the fact that they were being worked with children on the beach every day. They were being presented to the public as being well looked after but behind the scenes were being cruelly treated and abused and the conditions they were living in were filthy. The dogs were living in wet and muddy conditions without adequate shelter, and had untreated bite wounds from where they’d been fighting with each other.

“The witnesses in this case, who shot the footage, were fantastic. They were so brave to come forward given the repercussions to them personally of doing so and we’re extremely grateful to them. They have changed these animals’ lives.”

Donkey Sanctuary head of welfare Hannah Bryer said: “Cases like these are extremely distressing and highlight the terrible abuse some donkeys continue to face in Great Britain today.

“There is simply no excuse for any animal to be subjected to physical abuse. The footage, in this case, shows a series of brutal and needless attacks on the donkeys. This cruel and callous behaviour is unacceptable in any arena but is made worse by the fact that the perpetrators were the very humans who should have been safeguarding their welfare during their working life.

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Beach donkeys attacked in Lincolnshire

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“Donkeys are incredibly stoic animals so by their nature, they often hide the true extent of their suffering, however, there can be no doubt that the violence inflicted on these donkeys caused them fear and distress. While The Donkey Sanctuary does not endorse or encourage the use of donkeys in any form of entertainment we do recognise that they are used for a variety of commercial activities, such as beach rides. Wherever donkeys are used in these activities, it is vital that their welfare remains protected at all times.

“Happily with the support of vets, farriers and grooms, the condition of these donkeys has improved, but they will need on going care and treatment. The sentences and disqualification orders imposed by the court serves to protect the welfare of donkeys in the future.”

The RSPCA said the animals not previously signed over, will now be able to be permanently adopted.

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Donkeys have returned to a popular British beach after a 25-year absence.

Former primary school teacher and riding instructor Marie Bates embarked on a career change this year and has brought donkeys back to Seaton Carew.

Her husband would lead the donkeys and ponies on the beach as a child and the pair decided to revive the tradition.

“I have lots of really fond memories of the seaside from when I was young,” she told H&H.

“I just decided I wanted a bit of a change — I wanted to find a way to combine my love of being with animals and working with children.”

Marie has a licence to give donkey rides on the shore and has been trading for a month.

“It was more difficult than you might think [to find suitable donkeys for sale],” she said.

“Because we wanted to get up and running, we wanted some sensible donkeys who were young enough and had a good temperament.”

She bought four from John Nuttall in Lincolnshire and her children have been riding them at home.

Seaton Carew, near Hartlepool in County Durham, has a long sandy beach — perfect for rides.

Marie added the donkeys — named Sox, Bilbo, Hobo and Bandit — are all characters at home and know their job on the beach.

“My dad says they have been ‘programmed’ to be around children,” she laughed.

“When they have their tack on they are so sensible and so laid back.”

She added Sox in particular likes attention when visitors come to have their photographs taken with the donkeys.

Marie adheres to strict rules and weight limits to ensure the welfare of the equines.

The donkeys will be on the beach from 10am, at weekends and every day during the school summer holidays until October.

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Britain’s oldest beach entertainment has moved into the 21st century with the first plastic payment for donkey rides being taken on Blackpool beach.

Parents can now pay £2.50 for rides on Dillon the donkey with a contactless credit or debit card.

Mark Ineson, owner of Real Donkeys, asked Barclaycard at the beginning of this season to give Dillon a technology make-over.

The numnah is extended beyond the back of the saddle to take the contactless machine.

“It’s another option for people to pay and means we are moving with the times,” said Mr Ineson, who has been working with beach donkeys for 20 years.

The machine was fitted on 21 August and will be trialled until November.

More information

First published in Horse & Hound magazine on Thursday 4 September

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Children may not be able to enjoy donkey rides along Cleethorpes beach any longer after two donkeys were allegedly attacked by “teenage thugs”.

John Nuttall, whose family have offered donkey rides on the Lincolnshire beach for 3 generations, said: “A lady was walking her dog across the park, where the donkeys are, and she saw these 2 young lads kicking the donkeys in the face.

“The donkeys had put their heads through the fence thinking they were getting a treat, but instead they got a kicking.

“Donkeys don’t hurt anybody. I don’t know how anyone can do such a thing.”

Mr Nuttall said that if the attacks continued, he would move his donkeys out of Cleethorpes. Humberside Police attended the scene, but did not catch the offenders.

And now a £1,350 cash reward has been offered to find those reponsible for the attacks, thanks to local business owners.

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A dispute has broken out over the condition of beach donkeys in Mablethorpe, Lincs.

A petition with more than 600 signatures has been submitted to East Lindsey District Council, requesting an investigation.

A spokesman for the council confirmed that a complaint had been received but nothing would be done — according to the council, and a vet, the animals are fit to work.

“It is our job to license the donkey owners and so we inspected the donkeys,” said a spokesman. “The vet told us the donkeys were in a good enough condition to work and there’s nothing more we will do.”

He admitted that complaints about the beach donkeys had been “rumbling for years”.

Vet Derek Grantham, of Rase Veterinary Centre in Market Rasen, told H&H the animals were healthy.

“Those that are fit to continue will do so, one was retired as it is very old. I visited them about five times last year.”

The issue has become quite a talking point on the H&H online forum, with dozens of posts.

“I was horrified to see the state of the donkeys on the beach — the tack is ill-fitting and worn. The donkeys look very poor with hair rubbed off. Something should be done to help them,” wrote Jasmine1986.

The RSPCA said it had received three complaints about the donkeys.

And a spokesman for the Donkey Sanctuary said it was working with the owner to improve the donkeys’ wellbeing.

This news story was first published in the current issue of Horse & Hound (4 August, 2011)

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A group of working beach donkeys are to be sponsored by HorseHage.

Nuttall’s Beach Donkeys, run by John Nuttall, offer traditional donkey rides along the beaches of several seaside resorts near Skegness, Lincs.

The family has won many awards for high standards of care and welfare over the years and has been operating a beach donkey business since the First World War.

“We are very happy to be able to offer support to this excellent group of working donkeys, and it is heartening to know that standards are so high. Hopefully this will continue, allowing children to enjoy this very traditional part of a seaside visit for many years to come,” said Chris Tar of HorseHage.

HorseHage also produces a specialist feed for donkeys — Mollichaff Donkey.

For more information visit: www.horsehage.co.uk

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Could you provide a winter home for a beach donkey?

Despite an appeal in the autumn, beach donkey operators based in Paignton and Brixham in Devon, are still looking for accommodation for their animals over the winter to give them a well-deserved break.

They have been working closely with the Devon-based Donkey Sanctuary but have so far struggled to find winter homes.

Lionel Ford, the Donkey Sanctuary’s regional welfare officer for the South West England and South Wales explains the basics: “Donkeys need to be rehomed in pairs as they are companion animals.

“You need to consider if you have the time and commitment needed to look after them and you will need an acre of well-fenced grazing with a shelter, fresh water supply and electricity. Caring for donkeys can be most rewarding.”

The charity appealed for homes for Great Yarmouth beach donkeys earlier this year.

If you are interested in offering a respite home to two donkeys then please contact The Donkey Sanctuary’s regional welfare officer on 07768 336912 or the sanctuary’s welfare department on 01395 578222.

The Donkey Sanctuary will offer free support and advice to anyone interested in helping out.

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Donkeys are set to return to an Essex beach after a 20 year absence.

Donkey owner Jayne Johns, from Rayleigh, has been issued a permit to host donkey rides on Martello Bay Beach in Clacton by Tendring Council.

Mrs Johns, who has given up her day job in a pharmacy to run the donkeys, hopes to start the rides as soon as April.

“I did look at other areas nearer to home but I did not get the same response from other authorities as I did from Tendring,” she said.

“The reaction I got was a very positive one and I was made to feel welcome. I am looking forward to making the trip on a regular basis and I will make sure the donkeys get a chance to rest in between.”

Mrs Johns was given a donkey nine years ago by her husband and has kept them as pets every since — and now she’s looking forward to working with them.

“I now have four donkeys licensed to work on the beach and it has all been checked out by animal welfare,” she added.

“They are very sociable animals and they love to be with people. Last year I took them to school fetes and other events and it went very well.”

Donkey rides will be available on Martello Bay beach on weekends, as well as in the school holidays for £2 a go.

Councillor Pierre Oxley from Tendring District Council said: “I remember in my youth when they used to operate donkey rides on an area at the end of the greensward and I am sure that bringing them back to the town will prove a popular move,” he said.

“They are very much a part of the traditional activities of a seaside resort and Mrs Johns has met all the necessary criteria.”

A spokesman for Tendring DC told H&H the main reason a permit for donkey rides had not been issued before was because no one had asked for one.

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This year’s hunt for Britain’s finest, happiest beach donkey has produced a strong, handsome winner from Wales.

Del Boy, a 13hh 11-year-old gelding, caught the judges’ eyes in the Donkey Sanctuary’s annual competition with his long ears, big head and easy-going temperament.

“Del Boy wowed me completely,” said national judge Jenifer Tucker, who visited donkeys on beaches the length and breadth of England and Wales.

“He’s a gentle giant, and was clearly a favourite among the children.”

His owner, Louise Peeters, added: “He has the classic cross on his back, huge ears and a big head. He’s very laid back and full of personality — I call him my hippy donkey.”

Louise’s six donkeys take children on £2 rides on Aberdyfi beach, Gwynedd, from Easter to the end of September.

Children gather at her shelter on the sand dunes to pet the animals, and some save their pocket money for a weekly ride.

There are more than 850 working donkeys on Britain’s beaches. Regional judges on behalf of the Devon-based Donkey Sanctuary shortlisted the best animals across seven districts this summer, and Ms Tucker scrutinised their choices to come up with a national winner.

The best group of beach donkeys was named as Lennie, Alfie, Chico, Rueben, Neville and Max, belonging to Amanda Pickles in Filey, North Yorkshire.

Jenifer described the group as “bright, alert, smartly turned out and very happy”.

An award for the group with the best feet went to Maggie Aldridge’s string, Jasmine, Stumpy, Sooty, Peejay, Beejay, Sparky and Daisy, in Weymouth.

Jenifer added: “The level of competition this year has been outstanding and judging has been extremely difficult. The beach operators are clearly very proud of their donkeys.”

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