The following statement has been produced by The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth,UK in response to the press coverage surrounding donkey cruelty in Russia.

Statement:

We are absolutely shocked and appalled to learn that a donkey was made to parasail over a beach resort in Russia last week as part of an advertising publicity stunt.

The donkey was strapped to the parasail and catapulted into the sky and would have been severely distressed, fearful and traumatised during the 30-minute flight. Donkeys are sensitive creatures and prone to suffer with a fatal condition called hyperlipaemia (a stress-related illness); we therefore have serious concerns over the present health of this donkey.

This is the most senseless cruelty case Donkey Sanctuary has ever seen in over 40 years of operation and we are truly shocked that anybody could treat a donkey in this way. The suffering endured by this poor animal is totally unacceptable and we hope that justice is brought to the individuals responsible for this mindless act of cruelty.

Link to video

Mirror.co.uk