Donkeys banned from beach ending 100-year tradition

Traditional donkey rides on a popular beach are set to come to an end after a restriction on dogs was extended to all animals.

Jay Bateman, who said his family have operated a donkey riding business at Coney Beach in Porthcawl, Bridgend county, for more than 100 years, said he was "heartbroken" and that his livelihood had been taken away.

But some people have argued that the attraction is outdated and that animal welfare should be prioritised before entertainment.

Bridgend council said it remained focused on "recognising the importance of traditional seaside attractions", while also reflecting the "final masterplan proposals and long-term ambitions for the area".

Bateman, 35, lives close to Coney Beach with his family and their herd of donkeys, and said his family have been operating their business there for more than 100 years.

"It's been in our family since 1918. We've maintained the beach, done the bins on the beach," he said.

Bateman said his family is now in a difficult position as they have to keep the animals "all year round".

"We have to keep the donkeys because they're our lives," he said.

"We can't get rid of them."

He also said it would have a further impact on tourism after the closure of the Coney Beach Amusement Park last year.

Bridgend council have recently taken over the running of the beach and said all previous seasonal activities "were determined by the former management".

It said the seasonal beach restrictions for dogs between 1 May and 30 September have now been extended to cover all animals, meaning they are "unable to grant a licence for seasonal donkey or pony riding at Coney Beach".

The beach ban is in place at Rest Bay, Coney Beach, Town Beach and Trecco Bay, but the council said Newton Beach, Sker Beach and Pink Bay can still be used throughout the summer.

David Morgan, 74, from Newton, near Porthcawl, said the decision risked "ripping the heart" out of the community.

"We want to be a seaside town so we need to attract tourists.

"Porthcawl is famous for seaside facilities and yet the council seem to be determined to ruin it," he said.

Morgan said he was concerned about the impact on tourism which has only been exacerbated by the reduction in car parking facilities.

"Families with young children come to buy candy floss, have donkey rides and that can only be done if they can park easily," he added.

Others, however, have welcomed the move.

Jacqui Howe, founder of Springwood Sanctuary, in Carmarthen, which houses donkeys and horses, said it can be "very upsetting" for people to see the donkeys being ridden, which can "negatively impact tourism".

"Circuses have been outlawed, greyhound racing is going to be banned. People are becoming more aware that animals should be able to have a free life," she said.

Howe said the hot beaches can be "quite a lot" for the donkeys and thinks that the ban should be in place on "all beaches".

The council said the regeneration plans on the waterfront at Porthcawl would bring "new activities and stalls" to the area in the near future.

A council spokesperson said they were reviewing the expressions of interest that they have received for "providing all-new seasonal activities at Coney Beach."

"Residents and visitors should look out for some exciting announcements about a wide range of new activities and stalls in the near future."