Source:  News Release

Three year ban for donkey neglect

International animal welfare charity The Donkey Sanctuary is disappointed to learn of the light sentence received by a Lanarkshire woman who admitted the neglect of 19 animals including donkeys and ponies.

Kathryn Brady, 35, of South Grey Stone Farm, Lesmahagow, was sentenced to a three year ban on keeping equines at Hamilton Sheriff Court on Wednesday (21 March) and given 170 hours community service.

The Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was alerted to the suffering of animals in Brady’s care, and upon investigation found that one of the donkeys was in such pain and distress that their only option was to put it to sleep to end its suffering.  Four of the surviving donkeys were signed over to international animal welfare charity The Donkey Sanctuary to guarantee them a secure future.

The Donkey Sanctuary’s Head of Welfare, Michael Crane, says:

“We are disappointed with what appears to be a very light sentence given the suffering that the animals in Ms Brady’s care endured. 

“Following their seizure, four of the surviving donkeys were signed over to The Donkey Sanctuary in order to be guaranteed a safe future and the best possible chance of recovery. We were very concerned about the condition of these four young donkeys when they arrived in our care.  It was clear that their head collars had not been removed for some time, and in some cases were sinking into their skin as the donkeys grew.  One foal had to undergo a surgical procedure to remove the head collar as it had become so deeply embedded.  All four were small, frail, scared and unwilling to eat.

“Luckily for these donkeys, their rescue came just in time and we were not too late to help them.  Over time we have encouraged them to start eating again, and day by day their confidence and trust in humans is beginning to return. All four are now guaranteed a sanctuary for life.”

For more information about the work of The Donkey Sanctuary, please visit www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk.