Weston donkey ride company hits back at proposed ban

Campaigners are ­trying to ban the popular rides, saying the seaside tradition is “outdated and cruel” and wants it to end at Weston-super-Mare after 138 years.

But a donkey ride company has urged protestors to “come down and talk to us if you’ve got concerns” and says the animals are well cared for.

A petition, launched on change.org on August 1, has branded the seaside tradition “distressing”. 

It said: “I am a passionate advocate for animal welfare and deeply distressed by the continued use of donkeys and horses for beach rides in Weston-super-Mare”. 

The petition currently has over 400 signatures. If it reaches 500, it will be sent to the local council and the government. 

Richard Warburton, 51, is a donkey ride operator who has worked for Weston Donkeys for over 40 years. 

He said the arguments in the petition are “irrelevant” and urged campaigners to “come see the donkeys for yourselves”. 

He said: “The arguments in the petition just aren’t relevant to us. 

“Yes there are donkeys in the world that need protecting; that are being used, have no food, no water, just aren’t being looked after. 

“My donkeys and the donkeys along the Weston beach are all looked after. 

''We’re in the public eye all day long, so if people have concerns or want to know something, just ask.

“Come down and talk to us, come and meet the donkeys and if you find an issue, then please let me know. 

"But they’ve got plenty of water, they’re never without food, they’re unbridled and free to walk around as they please, and the rides are for children only.”

Campaigners are ­trying to ban the tradition, saying it is “outdated and cruel”. (Image: Tom Wren/SWNS)  

The donkey rides on Weston beach have been run by family business RG Mager and Sons since 1886. 

There are two teams of donkeys who work on a rotational basis, meaning the donkeys have days off between their shifts. 

Richard said they have around 30 donkeys – all of which were bred or rescued by the company. 

He said: “We’ve put so much time and investment into them. 

''They don’t come out onto the beach until they’re four. By that time, they’re very used to and comfortable around people.”

Donkey rides are for children only and have a rider weight limit of eight stone. 

Mr Warburton says the arguments in the petition are “irrelevant”. (Image: Tom Wren/SWNS)

The petition argues the donkeys are “often subjected to long hours of work in high temperatures with limited access to water and shade” and that “carrying weight on their backs regularly leads to debilitating health conditions”. 

Beach goers in Weston were mainly in support of the donkey rides.

Vicky Brown, 70, said: “I’ve been coming to Weston for the past 40 years and the way I’ve seen the owners treat the donkeys over that whole time has always been very well. 

“I’ve never seen them harmed, the children love them, and they’ve been a part of Weston for so many years - a ban is absolutely not necessary.”

Anthony Lovibond, 77, agreed - he said donkey rides in his hometown of Burnham-on-Sea were “banned by the council years ago”, and added: “They shouldn’t do the same thing here.

“They’re well-looked after and I’ve never seen a bad or ill-treated donkey. They’re a part of the seaside tradition.”

Teachers Becky and Athena, both 25, from Stoke, were at the resort this week.

Athena said: “I think it’s fair for people to have their concerns about donkey riding. 

''I can see it might be stressful for the donkeys being taken back and forth from their homes to the beach.”

Becky added: “The donkeys clearly bring in a lot of tourism which is good but I do think it’s a bit unfair to actually ride them. 

“I’m not sure a complete ban is necessary but they do need to be well-looked after and there should definitely be age restrictions for riders.”

Janet Jones, 70, from Bristol agreed that the welfare of the donkeys should be prioritised.

She said: "I don't think a ban is necessary but donkey welfare should be high on the agenda. 

"I've never though they've looked ill or not well.

"But no, I wouldn't like them to not be here, they're a part of the seaside culture."

Fiona Lovibond, 44, from Burnham-on-Sea agreed that donkey rides are a “part of seaside tradition”. 

She said: “The donkeys seem well-looked after and I think it’s the same family here that owns all the donkeys - they’ve been doing it for years, they know what they’re doing. 

“Families and children love them. A ban isn’t necessary.”