A vehicle used to safely relocate donkeys, belonging to international animal welfare charity The Donkey Sanctuary, has been stolen from Hemel Hempstead in the early hours of Thursday 16 November 2023.
Police are investigating the theft of the Peugeot Equi Trek, registration number YJ17 FLG, which was parked near Gadebridge Park, and stolen overnight between Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 November.
The vehicle, with its distinctive Donkey Sanctuary logos and brown and silver livery, had its tracker unit removed and discarded less than three miles from where it was taken.
The empty vehicle, which was parked during an overnight stop, was due to collect a pair of donkeys the following day and take them to a holding base used by the animal welfare charity.
Andrew Judge, Director of Equine Operations at The Donkey Sanctuary said: “We’re incredibly upset that someone has chosen to target The Donkey Sanctuary like this as we rely on these specialist equine vehicles to transport rescued donkeys to our sanctuaries. 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 Hertfordshire Police on 101 quoting the crime reference number HC - 16112023-0119.
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.
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.