A MAN has been fined after causing suffering to two donkeys he owned by leaving their severely overgrown hooves unkept.

Michael Stephen Walsh, 54, of Rhuallt, changed his earlier plea to admit the Animal Welfare Act offence and was sentenced at Mold Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, November 20.

The RSPCA was notified of the case after members of the public saw the male donkeys with the severely overgrown hooves, causing them difficulty to walk. Veterinary examination discovered the hooves were in such poor condition that the donkeys endured suffering.

Donkeys thrive in semi-arid parts of the world, where the ground is dry and stony. Their hooves are much more efficient than horses at absorbing water, but this means the wet pasture of the UK can make their feet soft and cause foot diseases.

Most donkeys' hooves require a trim every six to 10 weeks.

Mr Walsh was fined £650 and ordered to pay £500 in costs and a £50 victim surcharge. He agreed to sign the animals into the care of the RSPCA.

Another individual accepted a caution for their involvement in the poor care of the donkeys.

RSPCA inspector Jenny Anderton said: “The failure to provide adequate care for these donkeys’ overgrown hooves caused them to suffer.

“It is really sad how such basic action could have prevented this. A simple phone call to a farrier could have stopped these poor donkeys suffering.

“Fortunately, both donkeys will come into the care of the RSPCA and have a second chance of happiness. But this case reminds us how important proper appropriate care of hooves is for donkeys, and other equines."