DONKEYS on Blackpool beach are to be micro-chipped enabling RSPCA officers to keep a closer eye on their activities.

For the first time in ten years the way beach donkeys are identified is to change. The dated method of branding an identification letter and number on the donkeys' hooves is to be replaced with the latest technology of micro-chipping.

The chips are to be implanted on June 14 when the donkeys receive their annual health check by Blackpool Council and Donkey Sanctuary officials in preparation for the new summer season.

It will mean that all donkeys passed fit and healthy to work, and carrying third party liability insurance, will receive their own individual identification number.

Bill Tetlow, senior welfare officer for The Donkey Sanctuary said: "The only disadvantage to micro-chipping is that, unlike the hoof-brand, the public cannot easily recognise donkeys that are healthy and licensed to work on the beaches.

"Blackpool Council have recognised this weakness in the system and have therefore authorised The Donkey Sanctuary to carry out spot checks on the donkeys to ensure the system is working well.

"I have been working with the Blackpool beach donkeys for ten years now and will continue to do so. They are some of the best donkeys in Britain."

Blackpool's RSPCA Inspector Greg Doughty gave The Citizen his views on the subject: "It means that uniformed RSPCA officers and officials from The Donkey Sanctuary will be able to carry out random checks on the beach and will be able to monitor where the donkeys are more efficiently with a scanner.

"Another major advantage is that hoof-branding grows out whereas the micro-chips will stay indefinitely. Also many donkeys owners have been unhappy in the past about hoof-branding.

"With regards to the visual issue surrounding the chips, although members of the public will not be able to easily tell whether a donkey has been micro-chipped or not, all donkey operators will place a stand on their pitch which will display the donkey's identification number. This means that people can note the number and check it up if they wish."