Donkey Security Advice

SECURITY ADVICE - Stolen Donkeys!!

We at The Donkey Sanctuary are concerned by the number of donkeys being stolen from a number of locations throughout the country, mostly (but not exclusively) around London and the Home Counties. In some cases thieves have gone to some trouble to locate the donkeys and gain entry to the premises.

The purchase price of donkeys has increased  to quite a considerable extent due to their great popularity as pets. Unfortunately this has been noted by the criminal fraternity who, as we know, will go to great lengths to satisfy public demand.

Through our network of welfare officers, The Donkey Sanctuary is able to pass information on stolen donkeys throughout the UK and Ireland but this can only be of limited value in helping to recover them. Our primary concern is, therefore, to do all that we can to maintain the security of all donkeys - particularly those in our foster homes - by advising owners to be extremely vigilant and to take every precaution to prevent them being stolen.

Most security advisors would probably confirm that there is little one can do to stop a determined intruder, but what we can do is MAKE IT AS DIFFICULT AS POSSIBLE for unwelcome visitors to enter your property, remembering that good security takes time to overcome - and time is the enemy of the thief!!

• Ensure all stables and paddocks are properly SECURED by a strong chain and padlock.
• Security LIGHTING - whenever this is possible - helps to deter those criminals who much prefer the dark!
• CCTV CAMERAS (even 'dummies') can act as a deterrent.
• Make sure family, friends, employees, neighbours are all asked to note anything unusual, or suspicious visitors. The price of security is eternal VIGILANCE.
• RECORDS - make a written note of anything unusual. Personal descriptions and vehicle details (including registration numbers) are particularly valuable.
• POLICE - report anything unusual - however trivial - to your local police and/or HORSEWATCH group. They have access to a nation-wide network of information.
• IDENTIFICATION - make sure all of your animals (and other property) can be positively identified. Freeze marking of donkeys is not always the most effective method; hoof branding provides a visible  means of identification.
• Most of our donkeys are MICRO-CHIPPED, and our Regional Welfare Officers are issued with scanners. Notices to this effect should be prominently displayed throughout your premises. If your donkeys have not yet been chipped - please do so IMMEDIATELY. If in doubt, ask your welfare officer to help.
• VARY your times. Your animals may love routine - but not as much as the criminal! Many of these crimes are planned, so the thief will be well aware of your regular coming-and-goings! Try not to be too predictable.