'My donkeys AREN'T suffering in the heat' - Skegness donkey ride operator hit with emergency inspection after claim of mistreatment

Chris Epton has run donkey rides on Skegness beach for 50 years - but has been left with sleepless nights after a person complained his animals were suffering in the heat
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A donkey ride operator says he's been left unable to sleep with worry after a concerned holidaymaker complained his animals were suffering too much in the heat.

Chris Epton, 65, who has been held a licence to give donkey rides on Skegness beach for 50 years, became the subject of an emergency inspection by the RSPCA and council officials on July 25 as the Lincolnshire resort basked in temperatures of up to 24C.

Holidaymaker Claire Beasley, who raised the alarm, said: "It was heart-breaking to see the donkeys on the beach.

"They had nothing more than a parasol. There were two buckets of water – it was warm water. They had no food available.

“It’s such a shame. It’s so hot. It’s unbearable.

“I know donkeys can cope in the heat, but to not go without shelter or adequate cool drinking water is not appropriate.

“You keep dogs indoors, what about donkeys?”

The RSPCA and council found no issue with Mr Epton's donkeys after the inspection sparked by Ms Beasley's complaint.

Mr Epton told Lincolnshire Live he's heartbroken at the suggestion that he'd ever let one of his donkeys suffer.

“The beach donkeys’ care and welfare is everything to us," he said.

“I am 65 and have done this all my life. I’ve had a licence for 50 years.

“We have never had a problem because we do love and care about our donkeys.

“I can’t sleep at the moment because of all of this.

“I’ve always had a good name.”

The 65-year-old, who has had donkeys all his life, agrees the weather conditions have been extreme.

But Chris says he puts sun cream on the donkeys’ noses, gives them clean, fresh water and has parasols up to keep them shaded.

“Donkeys don’t always want to be in the shade,” he said. “They will stand out in the sun. It’s up to them. I have to force them under the shade sometimes.”

Asked if the hot sand would hurt the donkeys, Chris said: “Donkeys can stand the heat. If a blacksmith does their shoes, they put hot iron on it. It doesn’t bother them.”

He added: “I’ve got a good reputation. I always have had. We pride ourselves on it. We have won awards for the best beach donkeys in Britain through the Donkey Sanctuary.”

Chris says anyone is welcome to head down to Skegness beach and speak with him and take a look at the donkeys.

RSPCA and East Lindsey District Council visited the donkey sites on Skegness beach following the complaint and the Donkey Sanctuary offered over-the-phone advice.

A spokesperson for ELDC said: “One of our environmental health officers visited Skegness on July 25.

“They visited one of the donkey rider operators, as they routinely do, and offered appropriate advice for looking after the donkeys in the hot weather. This advice will be in line with what is provided on The Donkey Sanctuary website.

“However, the decision whether or not to take the donkeys out on the beach is down to the individual operators.

“The operator is responsible for carrying out a risk assessment before taking their donkeys out, and are best placed to judge whether or not they believe the conditions are suitable for their donkeys.”

An RSPCA spokesperson added: “We attended the donkeys on Skegness beach within a few hours of being called, following concerns from a member of the public.

“We spoke to the owners and gave them advice.

“We'd like to thank members of the public for contacting us and if there are further concerns about these or any other animal, we would urge people to ring the RSPCA on 0300 123 4999.”

A Donkey Sanctuary spokesperson said: “The Donkey Sanctuary does not encourage or endorse the use of donkeys in any form of entertainment, but does recognise donkeys are used in activities such as beach rides.

“The welfare of donkeys should be the highest priority – they should be physically fit, have access to fresh, clean water, food, and protection from the elements.

”Complaints about donkeys working in the heat are not uncommon at this time of year and our donkey welfare advisers are able to visit, monitor and give guidance and support to donkey operators where appropriate.”

Donkey rides are enjoyed by many on Skegness beach.