A north-east man is continuing his legal bid to get his donkey back from a national animal welfare charity.
Gary Stevens is taking the Scottish SPCA to court to demand it is returned to him after the animal was taken from Hallmoss Farm, St Fergus, following welfare concerns raised by charity officials.
A previous court hearing was told Mr Stevens thought it was “unfair” the SSPCA had been keeping the donkey from him.
He is also demanding that Aberdeenshire Council returns some other livestock that was seized following veterinary advice.
Solicitor David Gibb represented the SSPCA in court yesterday and said the charity was looking to rehome the donkey.
He added that the organisation was also taking fresh legal action against Mr Stevens’ wife, who was not present in court.
Mr Gibb said: “He argued the donkey should be returned to him immediately and tried to show the court some photographs to strengthen his case.
“The SSPCA were allowed an opportunity to respond to the application and they have set out the reason why the donkey was seized.
“Since the last hearing, they have made an application against Mr Stevens and his wife for a disposal order, which is rehoming order for the donkey.”
Mr Stevens, who is representing himself, said he was surprised that his wife Julie had become the subject of fresh legal action by the charity.
He said: “All of the animals concerned belong to me. We as a family, my wife, son and daughter, all interact with the animals.
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“But I don’t see the reason for her being cited as I am the owner of the animals.”
Mr Stevens told the court he was ready to proceed and urged Sheriff Gary Aitken to make a ruling on the matter immediately.
He said: “This is the second time it has been to court. I would request you make a decision today.
“My contention is that it is a straightforward matter and I want to state my case. I have paperwork that answers the matter.”
However, Sheriff Aitken dismissed the idea and explained he needed to hear evidence from all of the parties involved before making any ruling.
The next stage will be a procedural hearing on January 23.