Neglected donkeys in Gateshead left to suffer with severely overgrown hooves and sharp teeth
A man from Gateshead failed to get the appropriate care for his donkeys’ hooves which were so overgrown the animals were reluctant to walk, a court has heard.
The mares, who were mother and daughter, had also not received any dental care for a number of years, with one of the equines suffering from an ulcerated mouth as a result.
At a sentencing hearing at Newcastle Magistrates Court last Thursday (27 February), David Donaghey (DoB 23.10.1984) of Ascot Gardens in Gateshead, was banned from keeping donkeys for five years after admitting two offences contrary to the Animal Welfare Act 2006 at an earlier hearing.
Magistrates were told that RSPCA Inspector Ian Smith, who is part of the charity’s national equine team, had gone to a field in the vicinity of Haggs Bank in Wylam on 27 March last year after reports had been received about the welfare of two skewbald donkeys at the location.
In his written statement to the court the Inspector said: “Both animals had overgrown feet and were sitting back on their heels due to the length of their hooves. They were not terribly keen to move. I checked the field and could not see any shelter but I did find water for them.
“There were two bales of hay in the field but the donkeys were reluctant to go near the bales as they were witnessed to be bullied by the larger equines.
“Millie was in average condition with her bones easily palpable and a body score of 2/5 according to the Code of Practice for Equines and Donkeys. Molly was in a poor state with a body score of 1.5/5 with her bones easily palpable.”
With the help of a welfare adviser from The Donkey Sanctuary who was also present, photographs and videos were taken and sent to an equine vet. She confirmed the donkeys were in a suffering state because of their hooves and they were taken into police possession and transported to a private boarding yard.
The equine veterinary surgeon who examined the donkeys and gave evidence in the case said they were both underweight because of an inadequate diet and it would have taken “a number of weeks” for them to get into that condition. Teenage donkey Molly also had chronic laminitis and was lame on all four feet.
In her written evidence to the court the vet said of Molly: “The hooves were severely overgrown and curled up at the toe, forcing the donkey to walk on a pivot as there was no correct weight bearing surface.
“She had not received adequate hoof care for a minimum period of nine months, but likely longer, and this has caused her to suffer for a minimum period of six weeks but likely much longer. Hooves should be trimmed every four to eight weeks minimum by a farrier. This had not been provided by the owner.
“Her teeth were severely sharp and had not received any dental care in many years. This had caused marked ulceration to both sides of the inner cheeks and caused pain and suffering for many months.
“Equines should receive dental examination and treatment where required every 12 months minimum. Some equines require dental care every six months. This has not been provided by the owner.”
Millie, who was approximately four years old, had not received adequate hoof care for a minimum period of nine months and appropriate dental care for at least three years, said the vet.
Donaghey was interviewed by RSPCA Smith about what had happened. He said he was “devastated” and “embarrassed” about the situation and had never had anything happen with his animals before. He said he believed he had looked after the donkeys to the best of his ability and they had never shown any signs of lameness and were always the “greediest” and the first to food.
The court also fined Donaghey ÂŁ448 and ordered him to pay ÂŁ1,224 costs and a ÂŁ179 victim surcharge. In mitigation, magistrates were told that a farrier had been due to see the donkeys but had "had to cancel a number of times" due to the "weather," and that references had been provided to say it was nothing more than "well intentioned but incompetent care."
A deprivation order was made against Millie who made a full recovery and is still in the care of the RSPCA. Sadly Molly was suddenly and unexpectedly found dead at the boarding yard the following month. A post mortem said the cause of death was colic.