Donkeys in the News...

As previously reported, a Donkey was jailed in Southern Mexico after biting and kicking two men. Lawrenceville Leonard still has no comment on the situation, but unnamed witnesses claim that he has looked more depressed in recent days. NPR.com has the resolution to this story...

Nasty Donkey Now Has Police Record
Morning Edition, May 22, 2008

A donkey has been released from a Mexican jail. Blacky the burro was charged with assault and battery after biting and kicking, two men near a ranch outside Chiapas. Blacky served three days. And his owner paid a fine to cover hospital bills and salary for the days the victims missed work. Police officer Sinar Gomez pointed out, "Around here, if someone commits a crime they are jailed — no matter who they are."

In the UK, government officials are concerned that fat kids may harm donkeys during beach donkey rides. An 8 stone limit (roughly 100lbs) has been put in place to ensure donkey safety. When approached for comment, Lawrenceville Leonard turned and walked away slowly. The Daily Star has this story...

DONKEY RIDES MAKE KIDS WEIGHT
May 2008

Council weight-watchers have been out for the first time making sure obese children do not take donkey rides.

Blackpool is the first resort in Britain to adopt an eight stone weight limit for people taking a ride across the sands and the new rule came in for the first time this weekend.

The town already has a Donkey Charter brought in 60 years ago to ensure the beach donkeys get meal breaks and days off.

The council worked with animal welfare charity The Donkey Sanctuary to introduce the rule. A Town Hall spokesman said: “It is cruel to donkeys to have to carry a child who is obese.”

Mark Ineson, who has spent 11 summers with his donkeys, said: “If something is not right it has to be dealt with.”