A woman who rehomed a neglected donkey has set the record straight after she was reported to the RSPCA for giving it insufficient shelter.

Charity Weatherall, 34, of Sandwich, has cared for four-year-old Friday, who lives in a field off the Ash bypass with her chickens, cockerels, ducks and geese, since April 2015.

She said she was not offended when she found out she had been reported to the animal welfare charity. Instead she has commended the caller for caring.

However, she would now like to explain that Friday has sufficient shelter – it is just that it is hidden behind trees, not visible to passers-by from the road.

Mrs Weatherall said: “I’m quite grateful that they are concerned because it means people are looking out and are more aware of animal neglect. But please don’t slow down on the road.

“Aside from it being a danger to motorists it also causes us concern in light of recent rural crime in the area.”

The Tesco worker and her farm contractor husband, Steve, visit Friday at least twice a day around their work shifts and looking after their five-year-old daughter, Grace.

Having previously worked as an animal care assistant for the RSPCA, she said: “They came out and they knew there wasn’t a problem.

"When we got Friday she was in a bit of a bad state but it wasn’t horrendous.

“It took eight months to get her feet back to how they should be.

“She had rain scald – a form of eczema on her back, and mud fever – a skin condition at the top of her hooves. She also has social issues with men and dogs.

“It’s been a slow process but she has come on so much.”

For the mum-of-one, it has been a dream to have a donkey, ever since the age of three when she used to see one on visits to her grandparents in Suffolk.

She said: “It’s always been a bit of a running joke with my friends. They all knew I wanted a donkey.”

Friday is given plenty of food but Mrs Weatherall said that she has cut the grass short because the first grass of spring is full of sugar and not healthy for donkeys or horses.

There has also been concern that Friday is on her own. Mrs Weatherall says they are looking for a friend for her but they want to ensure it is the right companion, considering her nature.

“For now she has the chickens and the ducks,” she said.

“She even has one chicken that sleeps in her shelter with her.”

An RSPCA spokeswoman said: “Our inspector has been out to see the donkey and is satisfied that the donkey is being looked after, is in good condition and does have access to shelter.

“If people do have concerns about the welfare of any animal, they can ring the RSPCA on 0300 123 4999.”