A council decision to cancel an "archaic" activity has been called a "shame" with many considering the cancellation a mistake.
Donkey rides were originally planned for this month's New Brighton Summer Festival, though have since been cancelled by event organisers after "representations" were made by Wirral Council over concerns of "animal welfare." However, the decision has caused controversy among people living in the area.
Some have called the decision a "shame," particularly those with fond memories of the donkey rides that have been taking place on the beach as far back as 1945. Others have said the cancellation was the wrong decision taken too quickly, and could actually have an unexpected negative impact on the welfare of the animals.
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On Facebook, Chris, from New Brighton, called a donkey ride along the beach promenade a "wonderful experience." He said: "What a shame that children won’t be able to enjoy this wonderful experience.
"Provided all welfare rules followed and ongoing risk assessment of temperatures and humidity for the animals should have gone ahead."
Sarah, who said she had worked with a donkey sanctuary in the past, said that with the proper care measures in place, donkeys would have benefitted from the rides. She said such activities, provided they were done with the welfare of the animals in mind, actually helped sanctuaries care for the animals safely.
Sarah said: "I've helped out at a donkey sanctuary in the past. They were licenced by Wirral Council [with] strict welfare rules in place
"Donkeys don't carry more than eight stone. They have hooves trimmed every six weeks. Teeth filed regularly. Inoculated regularly. Groomed daily by volunteers.
"The work they do giving children rides goes back into their upkeep. If donkey rides are not going to be allowed due to public concern [then] the public need to put their hand in their pocket and pay for these animals welfare needs and food and up-keep.
"You can't just leave donkeys in a field to graze. They will get fat, get laminitis. Where will the money come from for the farrier and vet when needed? Donkeys are also used to extreme hot temperatures. They derive from Africa - it's the rain they don't like. They can get rain scald on their skin.
"Donkeys are more stoical in their behaviour and tend to startle less than horses. They walk very slowly - you can't rush a donkey.
"Lots of people won't bother them. They're trained to stand for long periods and are used to hustle and bustle. The sanctuary I helped at had a lot of donkeys, enough that they could be swapped over so the working ones the day before rested etc."
She continued: "It would be lovely in an ideal world if fairy's came down and fed and watered these animals, cleaned up the poo, took care of their welfare, and they just did nothing all day.
"But we don't live in an ideal world where money grows on trees. Inadvertently people making this decision for them not to work because they're worried about their welfare is actually potentially compromising their welfare. How ironic."
Yet, the decision came as good news for some. Sean Martin, the Chair of New Brighton Coastal Community Team, who protested the rides welcomed the move, saying he was "grateful" the council "listened."
He said: “We are grateful that we have listened and that common sense has prevailed. They were quick to respond in fairness. The archaic use of animals for human entertainment should not be condoned or promoted by our Council.”
Announcing the decision, Wirral Council leader, Cllr Janette Williamson, said: "After making representations to the event's organiser, they have decided to cancel the donkey rides.
"I want to thank all those residents who raised the issue with me and to the organiser for recognising the strength of feeling.
"In light of this I have instructed officers to look at putting together a policy for events where animals are involved. We want everyone to enjoy events, but animal welfare is paramount. Officers will now draft a policy to be approved by councillors as a matter of urgency."
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