A licensed donkey operator who offered beach rides in Whitby for 30 years has been banned from keeping equines for life after the RSPCA found 25 donkeys in a neglected state and housed in poor conditions.
Margarite Geraldine Gibson, aged 76 and who ran Whitby Donkeys, pleaded guilty to four animal welfare offences when she appeared before Scarborough Magistrates’ Court last week (12 January).
The court heard how the RSPCA was sent to the address along with staff from the Donkey Sanctuary on 24 February last year following concerns about the welfare of a number of equines in her care.
Many of the rescued equines were suffering with painful foot conditions. Credit: RSPCA
Gibson had 13 donkeys, 11 ponies and one mule at the site. They were housed in a paddock which had many hazards, while 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 various stables and sheds being used that there was no hay available and no water available to the animals that were inside the buildings,” said RSPCA inspector Claire Little.
“There were multiple donkeys seen 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 rain water — this water was not available to the animals, but they were seen straining to access it,” continued Inspector Little.
“There were three stables all in a state of disrepair. All the doors were held together with rope or baler bind, as bolts were either missing or unable to meet due to the bowing wooden doors and the accumulation of deep wet litter bedding. There was no hard standing and the overcrowded stables contained multiple animals.”
Severely underweight and malnourished
Prince at the time of rescue. Credit: RSPCA
A number of donkeys inside the stables were found to be underweight with their spine and pelvis clearly visible, while others had poor coats, with lice and scabs visible on their bodies.
Some also had other health concerns, including lameness and dental issues, while others had long overgrown hooves and were struggling to walk. Several of the donkeys’ hooves were so severely infected by thrush that it was causing their feet to bleed.
Eight ponies in the field also appeared in poor condition. There was very little grazing available and no supplementary hay was visible.
Gibson told Inspector Little she had struggled with veterinary care and farrier treatment due to Covid 19. This caused her to struggle financially and a GoFundMe fund-raising initiative had previously raised £22,000. Gibson said she still had some of that money but was trying to make it last.
The woman was offered relinquishment as an option to reduce the number of animals in her care and related costs, but she declined the offer.
Prince now. Credit: RSPCA
The RSPCA advised Gibson that she would need veterinary care for some of the equines as well as farrier care, and was given a chance to improve the care of the animals and their living conditions.
Further on-going support and help was offered but it soon became clear further intervention was needed.
‘No improvements had been made’
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 how the RSPCA, The Donkey Sanctuary and World Horse Welfare have been involved with the defendant since 2016 on an ongoing basis in an effort to assist her improve equine welfare.
Gibson’s solicitor added it was a sad end to a very long history of working with equines for over 60 years. She had run a donkey ride business on her local beach for 30 years.
As well as the life ban on keeping animals, Gibson was also given a 14-week prison sentence suspended for two years and ordered to pay £350 costs and a £128 victim surcharge.
All the equines are now recovering and will be rehomed.
“Owning donkeys and mules is an incredible privilege but one which comes with a responsibility to ensure they live healthy and enriched lives,” said Hannah Bryer, Head of Welfare at The Donkey Sanctuary.
“In this case, the needs of donkeys and ponies far outstripped what the owner was able 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.
“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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