Norfolk petting zoo owner faces court after illegal donkey rides
Jordan Stone, who runs Melsop Farm Park in Scoulton, appeared at Norwich Magistrates’ Court charged with breaching animal welfare rules.
The owner of a petting zoo is facing court action accused of offering donkey rides without the correct licence.
Jordan Stone, who runs Melsop Farm Park in Scoulton, near Watton, appeared at Norwich Magistrates’ Court this week charged with breaching animal welfare rules.
He has been accused of exhibiting animals without a licence, providing donkey rides without a licence and breaching the conditions of his licence by keeping two more donkeys than permitted.
Breckland Council, which has brought the case against him, said it can not comment due to it being an “ongoing case”.
The court hearing follows a long-running licensing saga with the authority, dating back to 2021.
The farm was forced to close its animal attractions for eight months due to the dispute but it later reopened in 2024.
Melsop Farm Park says it is one of only 26 attractions across the county to receive accreditation from the Rare Breeds Survival Trust for its unusual selection of creatures.
It is home to rare sheep, cattle, pig and goat breeds.
The case has been adjourned until January 21, 2026.