A MAN has been banned from keeping equines for five-years after letting his donkeys’ hooves grow shockingly long.

Ian Stoyles of Gallows Hill, Ripon, appeared before Leeds Magistrates’ Court for a case management hearing but instead pleaded guilty to failing to meet the animals’ needs.

The donkeys were living in a field with some horses in Morley, Leeds, when the RSPCA and officials from The Donkey Sanctuary attended following concerns over their welfare.

Two of the three donkeys were found to have severely overgrown hooves that needed immediate attention.

They, along with a third donkey, were placed in the care of The Donkey Sanctuary, pending the outcome of the RSPCA’s investigation.

RSPCA inspector Kris Walker said: “These donkeys had very overgrown hooves which were obvious to anyone.

“Providing regular and routine farriery care is a vital part of owning equines.

“Cases like this are very sad as they could so easily be avoided.”

Hannah Bryer, of The Donkey Sanctuary, said: “Owning donkeys can be a hugely rewarding experience and a wonderful privilege, however they require caring and compassionate management to ensure they lead healthy and enriched lives.

“The hooves of these two donkeys were severely overgrown, distorting the normal angles of the limb.

“These changes cause undue stresses and strains on the joints and soft tissues which has a detrimental impact on their welfare.”

As well as the five year disqualification, Stoyles was ordered to pay £120 fine, £30 victim surcharge and £200 costs. In mitigation, he said he had asked a farrier to look at donkeys but hadn’t checked it had been done.