Fears have been expressed for the welfare of donkeys on Weston-Super-Mare beach as temperatures soar.
Colin Bawden was among those worried to see donkeys arrive at Weston Beach on Tuesday morning on a BBC public health TV show during the scorching temperatures.
Temperatures were expected to reach 27C in Weston on Tuesday and again on Wednesday (June 21), with the Met Office issuing an orange warning for extreme heat posing a health risk.
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Mr Bawden said: “It’s disgusting. I show dogs but I wouldn’t put them outside in this weather, I would keep them cool. It seems wrong for them (the donkeys) to work on the hottest day when there’s a warning in place Something needs to be done.
The RSPCA warned that without adjustments to their care, donkeys could be injured in the heat, but a donkey ride operator on the beach yesterday said the animals were given shade, cold water and adequate rest.
Jacob Fieldhouse said extra steps are being taken to ensure animal welfare in the heat.
Extra steps are taken to ensure donkeys stay healthy
He said: “We kept the truck nearby so that the donkeys have more shade, the water is regularly topped up to keep it always cold and the food is replenished whenever it is needed.
He said the animals are used to the heat and if they are they are allowed to rest in the shade if necessary.
“Sometimes if they are too hot and eat too much they may have an upset stomach, then they will try to lie down. If that happens, we leave them alone,” he added.
He said eight donkeys working Tuesday would no longer work Wednesday. He said the operation had 40 animals and shifts are rotated so that the same donkey does not work consecutive days.
Mr Bawden, who lives in Wiltshire, said “no one seemed to care” when he raised his concerns about the animals, first to the police and then to the RSPCA.
He later said he received a response from the North Somerset Council’s Trade Standards Department saying he had spoken to operators about the welfare measures in place. These included moving trucks during the day to provide shade, driving them into a refreshing sea breeze, and making sure donkeys were only doing light work.
Despite this, Mr Bawden said he thought it was “disgusting” that the animals were forced to work in extreme temperatures.
He said: I’m not against donkey rides, it’s nice to see them on a cooler day, not the hottest day of the year. “
In 2017, a petition calling for a ban on donkey rides in Clevedon drew 100,000 signatures, though some locals mounted a campaign to support the traditional seaside attraction.
The RSPCA said: “Domestic donkeys can struggle with extremely hot environments as they are not adapted to heat and often have thick, hairy coats.”
“At higher temperatures, donkeys will need a few changes in their care in order to keep them healthy and comfortable. Water and shade are essential at all times, even more so at higher temperatures ”.
“Donkey rides are permitted by local authorities, so members of the public can report any concerns to council.”
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North Somerset Council Trading Standards Response to Mr. Bawden
A North Somerset Council Trade Standards email said: “Beware of the expected high temperatures for the next few days, agents from the North Somerset Council Trading Standards Service were in contact this morning with operators of the two companies which operate rides locally.
“During these conversations, operators were reminded of their animal welfare responsibilities: both are licensed under the Animal Welfare Regulations 2018 (license for activities involving animals).
“Both companies have procedures in place to ensure that animal welfare is satisfactory.
“Based on this Service’s previous relationships with operators, and taking into account the points raised in conversations this morning, I would summarize the key points as follows:
Donkeys are sheltered from the sun thanks to the operators’ truck (which travels throughout the day). Donkeys are not tied, and can therefore access the shade as they wish. Hay and tap water are provided throughout the day. The donkeys in question work every other day. The animals are in rotation during the day. Operators have weight limits for animals. The animals walk towards the sea, and therefore towards the sea breeze. Animals don’t work hard. The horse used for the trailer near the pier has not been running since Saturday. Any animal showing signs of welfare problems would be removed from the site and the practicing veterinarians retained by the operators would be consulted. Donkeys are generally animals that can tolerate higher temperatures than other species of animals. ”
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Source: www.somersetlive.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-07-21 04:00:00