Seaside rides under threat after yobs attack donkeys

John Nuttall’s family has run a donkey business in the popular resort for three generations.

Mr Nuttall says his animals have been kicked in the face, put in headlocks, hit with pieces of wood and ridden bare-back while they are resting in their field in a nearby country park.

He said: “A lady was walking her dog across the country park, where the donkeys rest after a hard day’s work, when she saw these two young lads booting them over and over again in the face.

“This is not the first time they have been attacked.”

Mr Nuttall said two donkeys - named Dudley and Banjo - suffered cuts to their faces and were clearly traumatised by their experience.

He added: “I don’t know if we are going to be able to carry on for much longer.

“We are three generations in and I don’t know what else my family would do, but it if this keeps up we will have to stop.”

The incidents have been condemned by North East Lincolnshire Council

Humberside Police said two teenagers on bikes had allegedly assaulted two donkeys in Cleethorpes Country Park.

Officers attended but did not catch the alleged offenders. They said it appeared to be an isolated incident.