Donkey rides firm from Hartlepool wins five-star award under new national animal welfare licensing laws

Hartlepool Borough Council has granted a five-star award to a town firm which runs donkey rides and visits.
Owner of Blackberry Donkeys Marie Bates (right) and Hartlepool Borough Council Technical Officer for Licensing Dawn Howley (left) with Teddy the Donkey.Owner of Blackberry Donkeys Marie Bates (right) and Hartlepool Borough Council Technical Officer for Licensing Dawn Howley (left) with Teddy the Donkey.
Owner of Blackberry Donkeys Marie Bates (right) and Hartlepool Borough Council Technical Officer for Licensing Dawn Howley (left) with Teddy the Donkey.

Blackberry Donkeys has received a five star award from Hartlepool Borough Council for the welfare of its donkeys under a new national animal welfare licensing system.

Owner Marie, who runs Blackberry Donkeys from Bates Farm in Hartlepool, provides donkeys for a number of activities such as school visits, special events and even trips to care homes.

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New laws came into force in January 2019 that require any activities involving hiring out horses, dog breeding, dog boarding, pet shops and exhibiting animals to be licensed by the Council.

Ian Harrison, Trading Standards and Licensing Manager, said: “These new laws are designed to protect the welfare of animals and set the bar much higher than the previous licensing system did.

“All businesses involved in one or more of the animal related activities must be licensed by the Council and be given a star rating of between one and five stars. Businesses that fail to meet the minimum welfare standards will not receive a licence.

“Blackberry Donkeys is one of several businesses in the town that are being awarded the highest rating of five stars and this is testament to their commitment to provide the very best of care for their animals.”

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Mrs Bates, the owner of Blackberry Donkeys, added: “We love our donkeys and it has always been important for us to look after them well. It is great that the Council and their vet have recognised this and given us the highest possible rating.

“I’m delighted that people can enjoy riding our donkeys and visit them safe in the knowledge that they are being given the very best level of care.”

Other Hartlepool businesses to have also received a five star rating are Paws in the Park Dog Boarding, Poochie Paradise Kennels and Dovecote Riding School.