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.

  • MTK@lemmy.world
    316·
    4 months ago

    Yeah, people look at this and think this is some sort of thoughtful and kind decision, when in reality this is a business decision to keep the donkey running. Because at the end of the day this donkey is enslaved for this mans gain.

    I wonder how people would feel about a headline that looks like this “slave owner buys high quality tools and proper lifting equipment to help reduce stress from phisical labor for his slaves” what a saint right?

    • FozzyOsbourne@lemm.ee
      82·
      4 months ago

      Mate, if you think running donkey rides is the same as owning slaves then you really need to rethink your world view a bit. I’m all for reducing animal cruelty but I don’t think this argument is helping.

      • MTK@lemmy.world
        13·
        4 months ago

        Yeah, he also didn’t buy the donkey high quality equipment right? Have you ever heard of an hyperbole?