Should We Stop Donkey Rides at the Beach?

Yes. Pointless exercise that just puts strain on the poor animals. In Santorini they have poor donkeys trying to carry jabba the hut up the hills.

No , I loved riding the donkeys on Blackpool beach when I was a kid, and my own children have been on them

It certainly is an age old tradition. I do think there should be restrictions on when they can and can not. I don't think they should be worked when the temperature is too hot for example.

No. Riding a donkey on the beach is an age old English tradition. Why is everyone trying to stop anything that is traditional especially when it makes happy memories for children on beaches everywhere.

Why stop them? Personally I have never done it but I know it’s seaside tradition in some places. It’s fair enough to be weighed for the animals not to be mistreated though. If a child is too heavy you can’t ride, too bad. But if suitable weight then keep going.

I didn't know it was still a thing not seen them for very long time

As long as the animals are checked and well looked after then dont see why they shouldnt continue. A weight limit seems like a good idea!

Yes to stopping donkey rides

I'm not a fan of them, it is often very hot when they are out and I've seen them. They don't usually look overly happy either. I think a lot of things where we use animals for our amusement should be stopped.

I've often seen children fearful of it and yet their parents/guardian are usually the ones that want it to happen for the experience or a photo.

Many images of petting zoos I've seen the animals are in a small area and forced to be around people, if they had enough space to get away it wouldn't be so bad. Many with rabbits (yes I'm passionate about them!) but they don't keep them in the correct enclosures, correct environment and often encourage loads of people to feed them a huge amount of sugary foods like carrots or treats that aren't even suitable for them.

Yes we should. Its cruel. Fine in the 8os but come on we've moved on. Making donkey and horses work jn the heat of the summer is not right

I think aslong as they are fit and well, keep it going. Everyone is trying to stop people having fun these days

I didn't know they still did them. Yes I believe they should stop them, especially on hot days. Leave them in the country side and give rides to young children as part of an exercise programme in their own environment. I would love to walk with alpacas, I hear it is a good activity for mental health.

A year or so back I saw some at Weston Super Mare. The person had provided plenty of water for them and they looked ok. The kids seemed happy and were only very small. I'm really against the exploitation of animals but the donkeys looked in good condition and healthy. I'm in two minds about it. I love visiting the Donkey Sanctuary near Sidmouth and the donkeys there seem brilliantly cared for and some are clearly very happy being there. Others look a bit rough and a bit frightened and have likely had a terrible beginning to their life but at least were safe now. Just like people the personalities varied a lot.

Not seen that available at beaches down my way for ages. Not necessary

I can't say that i've seen donkeys at the seaside for years, as long as the donkeys are well looked after and plenty of water and drink should be ok, maybe for an hour or two first thing and later in the day depending on the weather.