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Whitby woman wants her donkeys back
The owner of Whitby's famous beach donkeys is distraught after having several of her beloved animals taken away by a charity.
Geraldine Gibson wants her donkeys back after losing some she hand-reared including one, Precious, which was rejected by its mother at birth.
Mrs Gibson had the donkeys at Sandsend from 1970 before moving to Whitby in 1994.
The 64-year-old has struggled this winter after injuring her arm and trying to treat redworm in some horses she was looking after for a friend.
"I wormed them but the wormer wasn't strong enough and the Donkey Sanctuary came and said the horses were putting my own donkeys at risk.
"They said they had redworm and one of them had salmonella.
"I'm heartbroken and distraught, I love my donkeys, I was terrified they would die," said Mrs Gibson who lives at Sleights.
"Someone reported concern for my welfare to police and social services but I've just struggled with the terrible weather."
Mrs Gibson got her British Horse Society Assistant Instructors Certificate in 1964 and the donkeys are Geraldines' living - she will struggle on pension credits.
"I'm not ready to retire, I can manage but people are interfering." she said.
Scarborough Borough Council's licensing manager, Una Faithfull said:
"This is not a matter for us to comment on. We became involved because the Donkey Sanctuary raised concerns about welfare of the donkeys.
"It's the council's responsibility to administer the licensing of animal premises and comply with relevant legislation. Conditions are applied to licences issued to proprietors which lay down standards each licensee should maintain to protect animal welfare and safety of the public."
Whitby's donkeys receive annual checks by welfare and veterinary experts from the Sidmouth-based Donkey Sanctuary and SBC officials, to ensure they are fit, healthy and licensed to work.
The checks include looking at condition of teeth, hooves, coat and condition of tack.
The Donkey Sanctuary told the Gazette: "In January two officers found donkeys belonging to Mrs Gibson, in conditions which they believe compromised their welfare.
"After consideration, Mrs Gibson agreed a number of her donkeys be relinquished into the care of The Sanctuary.
"Mrs Gibson co-operated with officers in order that her donkeys could receive essential veterinary care.
"Mrs Gibson's donkeys are now thriving at The Donkey Sanctuary and welfare officers will continue to offer Mrs Gibson all their support."
Can anyone help Geraldine get her donkeys back, as she is struggling with the legal system?
Any solicitor who can help Geraldine call reporter Caroline Gough on (01947) 829904.
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Weather for Whitby
Friday 25 May 2012
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Temperature: 11 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: South east
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