Donkey Welfare

Welcome to Donkey Welfare - Martin Taggart - Head of Welfare

Thank you for taking the time to find the Welfare section of The Donkey Sanctuary web site. Here you will find details of the various services provided by the Sanctuary to assist owners in caring for their donkeys.

For free advice and support, please feel free to contact the Welfare & Advice Team on 01395 578222.  Our Welfare Services are also summarised as follows (click on a services heading link to find out more):

Donkey Rescue & Welfare Officers

Should you find a donkey in trouble please do not hesitate to contact our welfare team.  This confidential service is normally available seven days per week to deal with emergencies.

Donkey Care and Advice

This is provided in a variety of ways, ranging from the Sanctuary's own publication: The Professional Handbook of the Donkey (available to the veterinary profession only). This is supported by a series of leaflets on specific items related to donkey care, and a telephone advice line by means of which owners are able to discuss difficulties with trained and experienced members of Donkey Sanctuary staff.

Veterinary Care

All matters relating to the care of donkeys must be referred in the first instance to the attending vet. However, The Donkey Sanctuary is able to provide a support service to veterinary surgeons by providing clinical analysis of faeces or blood samples, or by using the Sanctuary's referral service by means of which donkeys may be admitted to the charity's hospital for surgery.

Training

Whether at our own Training Centre in Devon, or at selected centres throughout the UK, The Donkey Sanctuary provides training in donkey care to owners and anyone who may be contemplating acquiring donkeys. This training is provided by the charity free of charge to all who take part.

Donkey Care Workshops

Whether you are an experienced equine owner, have newly acquired donkeys or are thinking of purchasing one of our four-legged friends – this workshop is for you!

Passports

New legislation requires all owners of donkeys, mules, horses and ponies to obtain passports for each animal. This requires completion of a detailed form of application. Donkey Sanctuary Welfare personnel are trained to advise on this.

Admissions

All movements of donkeys into or out of the Sanctuary are co-ordinated by the charity's dedicated office staff and the team of drivers who, in addition to their driving skills, have been specially trained in caring for donkeys during the loading process and throughout the journey.

Security

From time to time thieves target stables and fields in order to steal donkeys and equipment. The Donkey Sanctuary is able to assist owners in the prevention of crime by giving advice on security of premises.

Beach Donkeys

There are currently over 900 donkeys working on beaches throughout England and Wales. In this area of activity a number of initiatives have been introduced by the Sanctuary to encourage the highest standards of donkey care.

Donkey Derbies

Donkey derbies are a regular feature of many charity days and other events throughout the summer season. Whilst many are well run and ensure the welfare of the donkeys is fully protected, there have been others, which have given rise to much concern.

To ensure an enjoyable day out for both the donkeys and riders, The Donkey Sanctuary has produced a code of practice for those organising and operating donkey derbies.