Traditional seasisde donkey rides may be scrapped because climate change is making our summers too hot. The annual attraction was scrapped this week as temperatures went over 35C on some UK beaches.
John Nuttall, owner of Donkey Tack UK, said he wouldn't be taking advantage of the added tourism a heatwave brings amid fears for the welfare of his animals and his staff. He said: "Over a certain temperature, we just won't go out.
"In the mornings, I'll go down to the beach to check it. If there's no breeze and it's too hot then we won't go out in it. We have got to make sure the breeze is going in the right direction and it is comfortable for everyone."
Mr Nuttall told LincolnshireLive if the UK is going to continue being this hot, then he will have to consider selling his donkeys. He said: "It's something we'd have to think about. I am not going to keep going out if this is the heat.
"The animal welfare comes first, but if we can't go out then I can't afford to keep them. It's like a cattle farmer who can't sell his beef."
