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Donkey Sanctuary Information Sheet

Science - Ourselves

Information Sheet No. 6 – Work of the Donkey Sanctuary

The aims of the Donkey Sanctuary are to prevent the suffering of donkeys worldwide through the provision of high quality, professional advice, training and support on donkey welfare.  In the UK and Ireland permanent sanctuary is provided to any donkey in the need of refuge.

Since becoming a registered charity in 1973 the Donkey Sanctuary in the UK and Ireland has taken over 11,000 donkeys into its care.  Many donkeys have been rescued after cruel neglect and others have come from loving homes for various reasons, perhaps due to a change in the owner’s circumstances, illness or moving house.  No donkey is ever refused admission (providing it has a veterinary certificate of fitness to travel) to the Donkey Sanctuary and each donkey is guaranteed a life of loving care and attention.  The charity never buys or sells donkeys and has a non-breeding policy.

Overseas, teams of staff are helping literally hundreds more donkeys every day, by providing free veterinary treatment and giving practical advice to the owners who are dependent on their animals.  The Donkey Sanctuary currently has major overseas projects in Ethiopia, Kenya, Mexico, India, Spain and Egypt.