Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Blackpool beach donkeys seized in abuse probe
THE RSPCA has seized Blackpool seaside donkeys in a raid on a farm amid claims of abuse.
A total of 29 donkeys and 16 dogs were removed from the property, it emerged yesterday.
Blackpool RSPCA inspector Carl Larsson said: “We are in the very early stages of an investigation.
“The allegations in relation to the donkeys are of abuse rather than neglect. The dogs were taken with regards to environment.
“They are being cared for by the RSPCA and private boarders.”
Blackpool Council, which has no place in what we
licences the donkeys, is do. As a general rule, the
liaising with the donkeys on Blackpool
RSPCA after the raid beach are well looked
at Fir Trees Farm in after. There are more
Salwick near Preston, regulations now.”
Lancs, on Monday. Lancashire Police
An RSPCA said it supported the
spokesman said that the RSPCA during the raid.
charity is “grateful” to There are around 200
those who report working donkeys on
suspected abuse cases. Blackpool beach.
Mark Ineson, 39, who has walked The council charges £215 a year
his donkeys along the Golden Mile for licences. The animals have
for more than 20 years, said: “I used annual health checks and can work
to house my donkeys [at the farm] a maximum of 48 hours a week.
two years ago. Neglect and abuse