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GERALDINE GIBSON FROM WHITBY SENTENCED FOR NEGLECTING 25 SEASIDE DONKEYS IN SLEIGHTS
Geraldine Gibson, a resident of Netherby Close, Sleights, Whitby, has been found guilty of severe animal neglect involving 25 seaside donkeys. Her long-standing involvement in running a donkey riding business for over three decades has now come to an end, as she has been officially banned from keeping any equines for life.Gibson, also known as Margarite Geraldine Gibson, appeared before Scarborough Magistrates’ Court on January 12, 2022, where she pleaded guilty to four charges related to animal welfare violations. The case was brought to light after the RSPCA, in conjunction with staff from The Donkey Sanctuary, responded to concerns about the welfare of animals at her property in February 2021.
The investigation revealed a distressing scene: the 25 donkeys, along with 11 ponies and a mule, were found in a state of neglect and housed in deplorable conditions. The animals were kept in a paddock riddled with hazards, and many were confined in overcrowded stables that lacked basic necessities such as adequate forage and water. Inspector Claire Little from the RSPCA described the scene, noting that the animals had no access to hay or clean water inside the sheds and stables.
She observed that the animals were housed in structures that were in a state of disrepair, with doors held together by ropes or baler twine, and missing or broken bolts. The ground inside the shelters was covered with a thick layer of straw and faeces, creating an unsanitary environment. Outside, a rainwater collection barrel was present, but the donkeys were seen straining to access it, indicating a lack of proper water supply.
Many of the donkeys were underweight, with their spines and pelvis bones prominently visible. Several exhibited poor coats, lice, and scabs, while others suffered from health issues such as lameness, dental problems, and severe hoof infections like thrush, which caused bleeding. The condition of the ponies was equally concerning, with eight appearing in poor health and very little grazing available in the field. No supplementary hay was provided to the animals.
Gibson explained to Inspector Little that her ability to provide veterinary and farrier care had been hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic, which had caused financial difficulties. She mentioned a GoFundMe campaign that had raised £22,000, some of which she still had, but she was trying to stretch the funds to cover ongoing expenses. Despite being offered the option to relinquish some animals to reduce her burden, she declined.
The RSPCA emphasized the urgent need for veterinary and farrier treatment for the animals and provided her with guidance and support to improve their living conditions. However, subsequent visits revealed no improvements; the donkeys and ponies remained without hay or water, and their health continued to deteriorate.
Eventually, Gibson agreed to surrender all 25 equines into the care of the RSPCA and The Donkey Sanctuary. It was also disclosed that the RSPCA, The Donkey Sanctuary, and World Horse Welfare had been involved with her since 2016, working to assist her in improving the welfare of her animals. Currently, all the animals are recovering either at the RSPCA’s Fell Edge Animal Centre or under the care of The Donkey Sanctuary.
In sentencing, Gibson received a 14-week prison sentence, suspended for two years, along with a fine totaling £478 to cover costs and charges. Additionally, she was handed a lifetime ban from keeping any equines, marking a significant step in ensuring her inability to reoffend and safeguarding the welfare of future animals.