ZOIE BURTON OF PONTYATES FACES CRIMINAL CHARGES OVER CRUELTY TO DONKEYS IN LLANELLI

Zoie Celena Burton, a donkey breeder from Pontyates, has been convicted of animal cruelty following a series of disturbing welfare violations involving her livestock. Born in April 1983, Burton resides at 142 Heol Llanelli, Llanelli SA15 5UH, and was found guilty in 2022 of causing unnecessary suffering to 24 donkeys, one of whom had to be euthanized due to severe health issues.

Burton is the co-owner of the breeding enterprise Donkeys of Wales, which she operated alongside her mother, Lynn Burton. Notably, her mother was not prosecuted in connection with these offences. The charges against Zoie Burton stemmed from her failure to provide proper hoof care and a suitable environment for her animals, specifically 24 donkeys and a pony. These neglectful practices led to significant suffering among the animals, with veterinary assessments revealing the extent of their distress.

The prosecution followed a multi-agency operation conducted in February 2021, during which authorities seized a total of 72 donkeys and one horse from the property. At the time of the raid, approximately 100 equines were present on the site. The police, working alongside veterinary professionals, determined that many of the animals were in poor health and required urgent intervention. The veterinary examinations uncovered severe hoof problems, including white line disease and thrush affecting all four feet of some donkeys, as well as overgrown, deformed hooves. One donkey, a rare mammoth named Sue, was suffering from laminitis and was ultimately euthanized by her owner’s veterinarian on welfare grounds.

Among the animals rescued was a skewbald female donkey with twisted, overgrown hooves, and a chestnut roan mammoth donkey whose right hoof was rocking laterally due to neglect. This latter donkey was observed shifting weight and exhibiting signs of pain, necessitating pain relief before being transported to a donkey sanctuary for ongoing care. The animals were subsequently placed into the care of The Donkey Sanctuary and the RSPCA, respectively. Over the course of more than a year, many of the donkeys have shown signs of recovery, with some still requiring specialized treatment. During this period, 20 foals were born to the pregnant mares among the rescued group.

In sentencing, Zoie Burton received an 18-week prison sentence, which was suspended for two years. She was also ordered to complete 25 days of rehabilitation activities, pay costs amounting to £1,128, and a victim surcharge. Additionally, she faces a ten-year ban on keeping any equines. The case has garnered attention due to Burton’s prior history of prosecution by the RSPCA, although specific details of her previous case remain unavailable.

Further controversy surrounds Burton’s activities, as she and her mother have been involved in breeding and selling pygmy goats in recent months, operating under various aliases such as Coco1960 and Poo Bear. Burton is also known by the pseudonyms Nerys Rhys and Paula Howells. Her partner, Luke Alan Rees, is believed to be involved with Donkeys of Wales as well. The organization has previously been linked to mis-selling incidents, including a case in January 2020 where a pony named Arthur was sold under false pretenses, resulting in a compensation payout of £459.

Details of Burton’s ongoing activities and the broader operations of Donkeys of Wales can be further explored through resources like 'Donkeys of Wales: The Truth' and Trust Pilot reviews, which highlight concerns about animal welfare and business practices associated with the organization.