DAVID DONAGHEY OF GATESHEAD CONVICTED OF ANIMAL CRUELTY IN 2025

David Donaghey, born around 1984 and residing at 19 Ascot Crescent, Gateshead NE8 4YB, was convicted in 2025 of neglecting two donkeys by leaving them to suffer in a field.

The donkeys, a mother and her daughter, were severely underweight, with overgrown hooves, mouth ulcers caused by sharp teeth, and other health issues. One of the donkeys was also lame and suffering from thrush in her feet.

Prosecutor Tyler Plunkett described the scene, stating that an RSPCA officer visited a pig farm in Wylam, Northumberland, on March 27, 2024, and found the two donkeys in the field. He explained, “The animals had overgrown feet and appeared reluctant to move. There was no man-made shelter and only two bales of hay in the field.”

He added, “Both donkeys were standing abnormally. When encouraged to move, they did eventually walk forward. The donkeys were removed and later seized by police. Both were then examined by a veterinarian.”

The court learned that the mother donkey, named Molly, had severely overgrown hooves curled upwards, was underweight, and was lame in all four feet. She also had thrush in her feet and ulcers in her mouth from teeth that were too sharp. Sadly, Molly died from colic the month after being rescued.

Her daughter, Millie, was also underweight and had severely overgrown hooves and mouth ulcers from her teeth. A veterinarian opined that both animals had not received adequate hoof care for at least nine months.

Further details revealed that Donaghey, who has eight prior criminal convictions, had arranged for a farrier to tend to the donkeys. However, the appointment was cancelled two or three times due to bad weather. He also claimed he did not realize there was a problem with their teeth because the animals appeared to be eating normally.

Representing Donaghey, his lawyer Katie Spence told the court that her client, a father of three, was the sole breadwinner of his household, earning income through animal care and work on the pig farm. She emphasized that Donaghey “loved animals” and had not intentionally mistreated the donkeys.

Donaghey, identified as a traveller, pleaded guilty to charges of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and failing to ensure the animals’ welfare.

In sentencing, the court ordered him to pay a fine of £448, along with costs of £1,224 and a victim surcharge of £179. Additionally, he received a five-year ban on owning donkeys, which will expire in March 2030.