Donkey welfare at the heart of police partnership

Last month, we were pleased to welcome officers from the Devon and Cornwall Police Rural Affairs Team to our headquarters in Sidmouth as part of Operation Gallop – a national initiative tackling equine-related crime and promoting animal welfare. This followed a previous visit to the sanctuary earlier in the year, when the team provided crime prevention advice and carried out forensic property marking on our essential farming equipment.

The visit was part of a broader initiative by the Rural Affairs Team to engage with local equine communities, offering crime prevention advice and building stronger relationships with organisations like ours, who are dedicated to protecting animal welfare.

On the day, our welfare team delivered a tailored training session designed to give officers a deeper understanding of donkey care and behaviour. We covered the specific needs of donkeys – which differ to those of horses – along with practical topics such as equine identification and passport legislation.

PC Lucy Wyatt, Rural Affairs Officer at Devon and Cornwall Police, shared her thoughts after the session: “We visited The Donkey Sanctuary earlier this year to provide crime prevention advice, and were kindly invited back for a training session in return.

“As a rural policing team, we encounter a wide variety of animal-related issues, and it’s vital that we understand the different needs of animals in our communities.

“Donkeys, for example, are more stoic than horses, more prone to certain health issues like obesity and hoof problems and respond differently to stress and handling. The training has been incredibly valuable in helping us identify potential welfare concerns and avoid incorrect assumptions based on horse behaviour.

“We’re grateful to The Donkey Sanctuary for taking the time to share their knowledge and expertise.”

Hannah Bryer, Head of Welfare, said: “Here at The Donkey Sanctuary, we have a team of dedicated Donkey Welfare Advisers who can provide free, expert advice and support to those who own and work with donkeys and mules across Great Britain.

“Welcoming the Devon and Cornwall Rural Policing Team to our headquarters this week provided a valuable opportunity for officers to learn about the needs and behaviour of donkeys and mules. This knowledge will help them in the field and give them a greater understanding of the support available through our welfare team.

“Partnerships like this play a crucial role in helping us reach more donkeys and their owners. By working together, we can strengthen our impact within communities and continue our mission to improve the lives of donkeys every day.”