Fed-up Dedham horse owner sprays warning message on pet

Johanna Bayliss-Fuller urged passers-by to not “kill him with kindness” amid fears the 19-year-old horse, named Donkey, could end up eating huge amounts of extra food on a daily basis.

Donkey has turned into somewhat of a celebrity due to his popularity with walkers in Dedham explained her owner but it has also brought some unwanted attention.

The 34-year-old has now used sheep marking spray to write “do not feed me” in bold blue letters on Donkey’s impressive white coat of fur, accompanied with a heart.

Attention - Donkey has become a minor celebrity in Dedham

The horse owner, who lives in Raydon on the Essex/Suffolk borders, stated she was sparked into action after someone removed the electric fencing and let him out of his field, leaving Donkey free to roam the neighbouring fields.

“I put him by the footpath so people can say hello to him while sticking to where they should be but this came with flaws,” said Ms Bayliss-Fuller.

“I was pretty hysterical when he was let out. I fear he could get laminitis which would be extremely painful and gruesome and would ultimately lead to him being put down.

“This was the catalyst, the straw that broke the camel’s back. I decided to spray paint him as I want to protect and do the best for him.”

Pet - Johanna riding Donkey Picture: Sofi Bouchereau

The horse owner says she understands people want to feed the animal, admitting having been that person herself when she was younger, but fears it creates a bigger issue.

She added: “If every person walking past gives him an apple that could be 100 plus a day which is an uncontrolled amount for him to eat.

“He could choke, unfortunately I can’t be there 24 hours a day looking out for him. I have signs warning people to be careful and not to feed him but they have been ignored.

“You wouldn’t go into someone’s garden and let their child out the house or feed them because they waved at you, it’s similar here.

“They are big animals who can be dangerous and if you get it wrong you could end up in trouble.”