Polly Vacher is raising money for charity by driving what she calls a “donkathon”, a 200 mile journey from North Moreton to North Wales, which involves two donkeys pulling her and her husband by carriage across this distance. 

Even before this began, on her website and facebook page she describes the 5-day a week “intensive” training which the donkeys were forced to undertake, which not only involves constant work for the donkeys, but uphill and through-water driving - which she freely admits the donkeys do not like, and are not openly willing to partake it (but she makes them do it anyway). 

Currently the donkeys are being subjected to 6-day a week drives over the course of the month, which is incredibly hard going for the donkeys, especially as there are a large number of steep hills on the route. Donkeys are desert animals and hate water, yet have been "driven" during rainfall, which they would shelter from if they were able to.

It is not acceptable to exploit animals in the name of charity, and whilst not illegal, this event is excessive and cruel. Polly could easily walk or cycle this distance within her timeframe rather than forcing her donkeys to undertake something they have no choice in. Most people disagree with donkey rides on the beach and animals in circuses. Why is this different?

Both MS Society and Polly have been contacted earlier this year with our concerns. MS Society assured us that the donkeys "enjoy walking and exercising" and that Polly will stop should the donkeys sustain any injuries. This huge distance is much more than "walking" and since the donkeys are being coerced to perform, it is unreasonable to assume they are enjoying it. In fact, one of the donkeys sustained a girth sore but was made to continue within a matter of days. Polly on the other hand refused to address any of our concerns, and simply deleted comments left on her page, labelling us "trolls"

If you believe that the donkathon should be halted, and these poor donkeys allowed to live freely without any expectation to perform in the name of charity, please sign the petition.