Fat children banned from donkey rides.
@cinderella2007 (2662)
April 6, 2008 3:23pm CST
Children who weigh more than 50 kilos (8 stone) are facing a ban from donkey rides at the seaside to protect teh donkey's health.
The animals - traditionally known as beasts of burden - are buckling under the weight of their loads as teh weight of obese kids wears them out.
The rules which come into force today - have been bought in by British Equine Vets Association and The Donkey Santuary; the donkeys already have an annual 'MOT' to ensure they are fit to work.
The ones who work high days and holidays in Blackpool are already strictly monitered with each being micro-chipped so they can be easily identified.
Along with the ban on excess weight, the national code of practise restricts donkeys working to a six day week with a full day's rest on the seventh. The owners must also give then a rest of at least an hour at lunchtime or in teh evening.
The average donkey weighs upto 160 kilos so an excess of 50 kilos is a reasonable top weight to carry says a spokesperson from The Donkey Santuary.
3 responses
@jhl930 (3601)
• United States
6 Apr 08
i dont think that that is right at all...i don't see why they just don't stop them all together if they are going to do something like that...i mean really that is bad and it has to hurt the childrens feelings and the parents as well if someone were to tell you that your child couldn't do something becuase he/she was too fat or something like that...i mean i woudln't like that at all if someone told me that about my child!
jhl930
@Galena (9110)
•
6 Apr 08
I think I'd put animal welfare ahead of hurt feelings.
I'm about nine stone, and wouldn't dream of even sitting on a donkey. yes, they're tough, but I know I'm too heavy for them to carry me comfortably. and I'm a fairly slim adult.
if you go to a theme park, you can be told you are too short for a ride, if it's not safe for you to use it under a certain height.
so if it's not safe for you to ride a donkey due to your weight, then why not be told so. it's not even about obesity, unless you're on the small side, there will come a time in your life when you're too big to ride a donkey.
