Seven donkeys suffering from lameness were rescued through a joint operation between the RSPCA, The Donkey Sanctuary and Cumbria Constabulary.
A man and woman from Cumbria have been disqualified from keeping equines following a prosecution brought by the RSPCA.
Ivan Ballatyne (DOB 29.02.1944) and Jeannie Winskill (DOB 31.01.1976) both of Southwaite, Carlisle were sentenced at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court on Monday 11 January.
The pair, who had previously failed to comply with advice from both the RSPCA and The Donkey Sanctuary, pleaded guilty to animal welfare offences on the morning their trial was due to take place.
The RSPCA launched an investigation after The Donkey Sanctuary raised concerns and their findings were such that veterinary assistance was required.
Deputy Chief Inspector Carl Larsson said: “Donkeys with overgrown hooves were seen struggling to walk through the deep mud - they seemed uncomfortable as they moved. There was a lack of shelter, hard standing and anywhere clean and dry for the animals to rest. The sheds provided were too small and unsanitary - a dead rat was seen within the soiled straw at the back of one. Straw put down for the animals was sodden with faeces, urine and presumably rain water - they appeared not to have been mucked out in a long time. There was also a muck heap which had hay on the top that two horses and the donkeys were feeding from.
- “A Shetland pony was found confined in a garden shed - he barely had room to turn around. It was difficult to watch as the poor animal reluctantly struggled to walk and appeared to be in pain with every step. An independent vet certified such was his suffering he sadly needed to be put to sleep immediately in his own interest.”
- The vet examined all of the remaining animals - some of the donkeys had lice and were struggling to walk due to their overgrown hooves - they were very lame. She decided all of the equines should be taken into possession by police and they were taken to a place of safety.
- The donkeys were given much-needed farrier, dental and veterinary care. They have since all improved considerably, but some of their journeys to full recovery will be long.
- Both Ballantyne and Winskill pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to seven donkeys by failing to address their overgrown feet and resulting lameness. They also plead guilty to failing to meet the needs of 17 equines.
- Winskill pleaded guilty to a third charge of causing unnecessary suffering to a Shetland pony by failing to address it’s overgrown feet and lameness.
- In court, mitigation was given that neither of the defendants had any previous convictions.
The Judge imposed a curfew order of 16 weeks on Ballantyne while Winskill was sentenced to 15 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days, a 12-week curfew order and both were ordered to pay £750 costs.
Following the sentencing hearing Hannah Bryer, Head of Welfare at The Donkey Sanctuary said: “We know that taking care of donkeys is a hugely rewarding experience, and it really is a privilege to own such endearing animals, but it comes with great responsibility. Donkeys require caring and compassionate management to ensure they lead healthy and enriched lives.
“Sadly situations like this are not uncommon. Lack of appropriate hoof care is still one of the most common welfare issues faced by donkeys in the UK today.
“Our welfare team works throughout Great Britain to offer advice and information about the easy steps that can be taken to avoid this type of suffering.”
For interviews, images and information please contact The Donkey Sanctuary press office on 01395 573124 or 07870 849563 (including out of hours) or send an email.
Photographs available to download.
Video footage available to download.
Ballantyne and Winskill both pleaded guilty to:
- “That between 4 January 2020 and 4 February 2020 in the vicinity of Southwaite, Carlisle, you being jointly concerned did cause unnecessary suffering to certain animals namely 7 donkeys by failing to address the animals overgrown feet resulting in lameness and you knew or ought reasonably to have known that your failure to act would have that effect or be likely to do so, contrary to Section 4, Sub section 1 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006”.
- “That between 4 January 2020 and 4 February 2020 in the vicinity of Southwaite, Carlisle, you being jointly concerned did not take such steps as were reasonable in all the circumstances to ensure that the needs of animals namely 17 equines for which you were responsible were met to the extent required by good practice by one or a combination of the following:
By failing to provide adequate fresh clean drinking water.
By failing to provide required dental care.
By failing to provide adequate hoof care.
By failing to provide adequate parasitic control.
By failing to address rain scald.
Accommodating the animals in inadequate dirty small shelters.
By failing to provide a suitable environment.
contrary to Section 9, Subsection 1 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006”.
Winskill pleaded guilty to a third offence:
- “That between 4 January 2020 and 4 February 2020 in the vicinity of Southwaite, Carlisle, you did cause unnecessary suffering to a certain animal namely a Shetland pony by failing to address the animal’s overgrown feet resulting in lameness and you knew or ought reasonably to have known that your failure to act would have that effect or be likely to do so, contrary to Section 4, Sub section 1 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006”.