A family-run donkey ride business operating in Wales for more than a century is being forced to shut down after a council broadened its seasonal dog ban to include all animals.
Jay Bateman, whose relatives have provided the seaside attraction at Coney Beach in Porthcawl since 1918, described himself as “heartbroken” by the decision, stating his livelihood had been stripped away.
The 35-year-old, who resides near the beach with his family and their donkeys, can no longer obtain a licence to operate between May and September under the new restrictions.
Bridgend Council said it remained committed to “recognising the importance of traditional seaside attractions” whilst also considering its long-term regeneration plans for the waterfront area.
Beyond simply offering rides to holidaymakers, the Bateman family has played an active role in keeping the shoreline tidy for visitors over the decades.
The family’s connection to Coney Beach stretches back 108 years, with Jay explaining: “It’s been in our family since 1918. We’ve maintained the beach, done the bins on the beach.”
The council’s decision has left the Batemans facing the challenge of continuing to look after their herd throughout the entire year, despite losing their primary source of revenue.
The animals remain part of the family regardless of whether they can work, creating an ongoing financial burden without the summer trade to sustain them.
Donkey rides in Porthcawl are being forced to shut down
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“We have to keep the donkeys because they’re our lives,” Jay said, “we can’t get rid of them.”
Residents have expressed alarm at the potential consequences for Porthcawl’s appeal as a holiday destination, including David Morgan, a 74-year-old from nearby Newton, who warned the decision threatened to “rip the heart” out of the community.
He said: “We want to be a seaside town so we need to attract tourists. Porthcawl is famous for seaside facilities and yet the council seem to be determined to ruin it.”
The blow comes just a year after Coney Beach Amusement Park closed its doors.
Mr Morgan also highlighted reduced parking provision as another obstacle for visitors, noting: “Families with young children come to buy candy floss, have donkey rides, and that can only be done if they can park easily.”
Not everyone opposes the council’s decision however, with animal welfare campaigners arguing beach donkey rides belong to a bygone era.
Jacqui Howe, who established Springwood Sanctuary for donkeys and horses in Carmarthen, suggested watching the animals being ridden can be “very upsetting” for some visitors, potentially harming rather than helping tourism.
The blow comes just a year after Coney Beach Amusement Park closed its doors
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She said: “Circuses have been outlawed, greyhound racing is going to be banned. People are becoming more aware that animals should be able to have a free life.”
Ms Howe added hot sand can prove difficult for donkeys to cope with, advocating for restrictions across all coastal areas.
The council indicated waterfront regeneration would introduce fresh attractions and stalls, with a spokesman promising “exciting announcements” about new seasonal offerings at Coney Beach.
“Residents and visitors should look out for some exciting announcements about a wide range of new activities and stalls in the near future.”