Neighbours complain over 'farm' in family's garden

"I think donkeys are great on Blackpool beach but not here, " said one of the residents living nearby

A family whose garden has become home to a growing collection of animals have defended their makeshift "farm" amid complaints from neighbours.

Two donkeys, goats and a miniature Shetland pony are living at the property in Kersal, Salford, with the family of eight.

The couple living there, who gave their names as Tony and Ilana, said the animals were "very well looked after" and were for the benefit of their six children.

Salford City Council, which had received complaints about loud noises and potential animal welfare concerns, said it was looking into the matter.

One neighbour told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "We hear them day and night. We didn't expect this at all on a normal street.

"It's a little bit annoying and they didn't tell us what was happening."

Another added: "I think donkeys are great on Blackpool beach, but not here."

'Wholesome'

Tony, 34, and 35-year-old Ilana said they had a county parish holding (CPH) number to keep livestock.

Tony said: "They roam in the back and front garden, I take them out for walks on the street and we always get a good response from people."

Ilana, 35, said getting the animals has been "wholesome" for the family and their children.

"We don't understand why any neighbours would be concerned by this."

The couple said the donkeys had around 400m of space to enjoy, and that another part of the back garden was due to be turned into an area for them.

A sign on the gate which mentioned "opening hours" for visits to the "farm" was simply a bit of fun for their children's friends, the couple said.

They added they had no plans to do anything commercial.

"Our children are not on devices or anything like that anymore.

They have not watched anything or been on the Xbox since the animals arrived," Tony added.

"Two people have been in touch with concerns about it, but we've dealt with anything they've raised through dialogue."