AN online petition was set up at the start of August called ‘Ban the use of donkeys and horses for beach ride in Weston-super-Mare’.

Started up by Becca Hullah via Change.org, Becca describes herself as a passionate advocate for animal welfare. 

She is “deeply distressed” by the continued use of donkeys and horses for beach rides in Weston-Super-Mare.

On her petition, she said: “Despite existing regulations, ensuring the provision of adequate care to each animal is challenging.

“Using these animals for our leisure and enjoyment is an outdated practice that does not align with progressive attitudes toward the humane treatment of animals.

“There are plenty more exciting attractions to visit in Weston-Super-Mare that do not compromise animal welfare.

“By banning these rides, we will not only protect the animals' welfare but also be an example for more humane practices across the board.

“I urge you to sign the petition to ban the use of donkeys and horses for beach rides in Weston-super-Mare.”

Not everyone agrees with the ban as the donkey and horse rides have been a mainstay family-run business since 1886.

Put forward to the Weston-super-Mare Town Council, The Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs and the Animal Welfare Board of the UK, the petition gained 271 signatures this week in support of the ban.

The petition is set to hit a target of 1,000 signatures within the next week with over 700 signatures already at this time.

Since it hit 500 signatures, the petition is now being considered by the local council and the government.

Richard Warburton, 51, has worked for Weston Donkeys for over 40 years and believes that the rides are important as part of Weston’s history.

Richard states that the arguments in the petition are “irrelevant” and wants campaigners to “come and see the donkeys” themselves.

He said: “My donkeys and all the donkeys along the beach are well looked after.”

In a statement, a North Somerset Council spokesperson said: “The donkeys on Weston Beach are part of the town’s heritage.

“As a council, we’re committed to ensuring the animals’ welfare and making sure the donkey operators uphold the highest standards of animal care.

“The donkey ride operators on Weston Beach are fully licensed under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. To remain licensed, operators must meet the high welfare standards required by this act.

“Our seafront team carry out regular checks on the operators, ensuring the animals have food, water and shade, and that there are no welfare issues.”