Calls for end to donkey rides

TAKING a donkey ride on the beach has been a traditional summer pastime for decades.

But now thousands of people are fighting to stop the activity on a beach in Porthcawl amid claims of “animal cruelty”.

So far 36,000 have signed a petition calling for donkey rides on Coney Beach to be halted. Supporters claim the animals are left all day on the beach with minimal shelter and water during the warm weather.

However, tenants of the donkeys as well as the owners of Coney Beach insist the equines are given plenty of water and shelter as well as cared for properly.

Bridgend council has confirmed it will continue to monitor the situation at the beach and anyone who is concerned about animal welfare should report it to the Shared Regulatory Service.

Campaign group Cardiff Animal Rights is urging people to sign the petition.

“We are against it, donkey rides are cruel,” a spokeswoman said.

Coney Beach and the funfair are owned and run by the Evans family, but the donkey rides are run separately as a concession.

Tenants of the donkeys – only identified as Mr and Mrs Bateman – said they were very saddened by the claims, which they totally refuted.

In a statement, they said: “We are animal lovers. Anyone who knows us will say the same. We have been looking after donkeys for over 40 years and treat them as we would our own children.

“We are fully licensed by the council in Bridgend. We have had no complaint whatsoever from the council or the RSPCA.”

A spokesman for the RSPCA said: “Provision of water and shade is essential at all times; in higher temperatures this is of critical importance.”