John Nuttall has been in the donkey rides business for more than 40 years and has been accused of fat-shaming children but he said, 'I have just done it to protect my animals'

Seaside donkey proprietor John Nuttall has sparked debate by insisting children undergo a weight check before being allowed to ride his donkeys in Skegness. The 61-year-old has faced criticism for allegedly fat-shaming youngsters, yet many are applauding his decision.

With over four decades of experience providing donkey rides in Skegness and Cleethorpes, Nuttall has introduced a weight restriction to safeguard his donkeys in the face of increasing concerns about childhood obesity. He’s set up weighing scales adjacent to his mobile paddock, complete with a sign detailing the requirements: under ten years old, shorter than 4ft 6ins, and lighter than six stone (38kg) for a £4 jaunt along the promenade.

  • snekerpimp@lemmy.world
    104·
    4 months ago

    That seems fair to the donkeys. Overloading pack animals is cruel to them and a serious issue. Humans have weight limits to what they can lift, so it seems right to recognize the animals limits.

    • MTK@lemmy.world
      634·
      4 months ago

      Oh yes, the fairness of the situation is very important to the owner that enslaves his donkey…

      It’s more likely a business decision: donkey gets hurt = down time.

      Fuck all of these people who abuse and enslave animals for profit

      • BruceTwarzen@lemm.ee
        38·
        4 months ago

        Of course this gets downvoted. Donkeys love carrying shit around, everyone knows that.