A donkey that was found in waterlogged conditions has been rehomed at Devon's Donkey Sanctuary.
Paul Mitchell from Gloucester has been banned from keeping equines for seven years at Stroud Magistrates' Court after previously being found guilty of failing to meet the welfare needs of a donkey named Thistle.
Mitchell, of Swallow Court, Innsworth, Gloucester, was also ordered to do 120 hours of unpaid work and to pay £3,600 in costs at the hearing on 2 December.
Thistle was found in December 2012 in a field in Blacksmiths Lane, Coombe Hill, which had become flooded. Both the RSPCA and The Donkey Sanctuary had visited the site in early December, finding the donkey in waterlogged conditions without any shelter.
Officers from both charities gave advice to the owner but when nothing had changed by 22 December, a vet was contacted. The vet found that Thistle's welfare needs had not been met as he had not been provided with a suitable environment or adequate hoof care.
RSPCA inspector Adrian Langley said: "Thistle was in entirely unsuitable conditions. The rain was persistent and Thistle had nowhere to go to shelter from the weather or escape the mud.
"I am pleased that this donkey is now being cared for by The Donkey Sanctuary and has a warm, dry environment with all the attention he needs."
Anna Harrison, veterinary surgeon from The Donkey Sanctuary said: "We are very pleased that Thistle now has the shelter, care and protection he deserves. He has found the companionship he desperately needed with his new friend Mathilda and can look forward to a safe and secure future at The Donkey Sanctuary."
If you would like to help the RSPCA, you can give £3 now by texting HERO to 60155 (Text costs £3 + one standard network rate message).
Mr Mitchell has lodged an appeal against conviction and sentence.
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