Weigh-in controversy: Donkey rides spark debate on child obesity
John Nuttall, a 61-year-old donkey ride owner in England, has introduced a new rule of weighing children before rides. This has sparked a debate about obesity and animal welfare.
Seaside tourism in England, especially in towns like Skegness and Cleethorpes, has been popular for years thanks to donkey rides. John Nuttall, who has been offering these attractions for over 40 years, recently introduced new rules that have caused controversy. In response to the growing problem of childhood obesity, the 61-year-old weighed his young passengers before each ride, which has received mixed reactions.
Animal welfare vs. Shaming children
The owner of seaside donkey rides in England introduced a rule of weighing children before rides, sparking a heated debate about obesity. John Nuttall, the 61-year-old operator, claims that the new regulations are intended to protect the donkeys from being overloaded. Critics, however, accuse him of publicly shaming children instead of focusing on the real causes of the problem.
John Nuttall has placed scales next to his paddock. Beside them stands an information board that outlines the conditions for the rides: children must be under 140 centimetres tall, be younger than ten years old, and weigh less than 38 kilograms. Children who meet these requirements can enjoy a short ride for 4 pounds.
This decision was made after noticing that children are becoming heavier. Nuttall explained that the weight restrictions protect the donkeys from excessive load. In an interview with the BBC, Nuttall explained that parents often check their children's weight themselves and have no issue with it. But if a child is too heavy, we have to check it, and unfortunately, if they are too heavy, we cannot allow the ride, he explained.
Donkey ride owner criticised for weighing children
The introduction of scales has been met with criticism from outraged mothers and the Obesity Health Alliance, a coalition of organisations fighting obesity. Katharine Jenner, director of the organisation, criticised the public weighing of children, calling it "absolutely unacceptable." She emphasised that instead of shaming children, the focus should be on factors contributing to high obesity levels.
The issue recalls the fable of the donkey. Despite the criticism, Nuttall remains steadfast and emphasises that it concerns the health and safety of both children and donkeys. He adds that children who are too heavy can still spend time with the donkeys by petting and playing with them.
Nuttall’s decision also highlights a broader issue of animal welfare in tourism. Animal welfare organisations have repeatedly called for improved horse working conditions and stricter regulations to protect the animals from overloading and mistreatment.
