A vehicle used to transport donkeys, belonging to international animal welfare charity The Donkey Sanctuary, has been stolen from outside the Premier Inn hotel in Denton, Manchester.

The theft of the equine transporter took place overnight between Monday 19 and Tuesday 20 April, police said.

The empty vehicle, which was parked during an overnight stop, was due to collect a donkey from the charity’s Manchester sanctuary in Abbey Hey to be taken to The Donkey Sanctuary’s international headquarters in Devon.

Greater Manchester Police are investigating the theft of the white Peugeot Equitrek Boxer van, registration number, YJ69 EFY. The vehicle is branded with The Donkey Sanctuary logo.   

Hannah Bryer, Head of Welfare at The Donkey Sanctuary said: “We’re incredibly sad that someone has chosen to target The Donkey Sanctuary like this – we are a charity that relies entirely on donations, so we can be there for donkeys in greatest need.”

Anybody that has information regarding the stolen vehicle is urged to contact Greater Manchester Police on 101 quoting the crime reference number 459 20/04/2021.

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Contacts

For interviews, images and information please contact The Donkey Sanctuary press office on 01395 573124 or 07870 849563 (including out of hours) or send an email.

Notes to Editors

The Donkey Sanctuary is the world's largest equine welfare charity. Our vision is a world where donkeys and mules live free from suffering and their contribution to humanity is fully valued. We run 10 sanctuaries around the UK and Europe, giving lifelong care to more than 7,000 donkeys and mules. Our hospital treats sick donkeys and trains vets both nationwide and worldwide. Our donkey-facilitated learning programme helps vulnerable children and adults develop life skills by connecting with donkeys on an emotional and physical level. The charity operates programmes worldwide for animals working in agriculture, industry and transportation, and those used in the production of meat and skin.

Please note that the name ‘The Donkey Sanctuary’ should not be abbreviated to ‘Donkey Sanctuary’, and the word ‘The’ should always appear with a capital ‘T’ as above.