We are always available to give advice and support as well as investigate situations regarding donkeys and mules wellbeing. These can range from checking an animal that someone is concerned about to one that has been abandoned.

In Cyprus (and many other Mediterranean countries) it is not unusual to see donkeys that do not have a water bucket or is tethered. Most owners will take water to their animals early in the morning and last thing at night. This is because water left in a bucket in our climate can get knocked over as well as collect dust and insects. Tethering, although not ideal, is necessary because the owner will move the donkey from one place to another to eat. We always check any situation such as this and will advise the owner to use a head collar rather than the typical leg tether or chain halter.

We can also put owners in touch with our vet and farrier for help and advice as well as helping with basic health care.

In the case of abandoned animals, we always contact the local police and Mukhtar (village mayor) first as often they will either know who the owner is or try and find out who the donkey belongs to. The reason for this is because sometimes the donkey has escaped and wandered off and obviously we want to reunite him or her to its owner. We will then also find out where the donkey lives so that if any help is needed in the future we have already made contact.

There are occasions when no owner can be found and the police and Mukhtar will ask us to collect the donkey. We always make sure that the animal is signed over to us so that if the owner turns contacts us later then we can show them that we were asked to take the donkey.

If we are contacted about a donkey or mule that may need help, we need to have as much information as possible such as the exact location, what the problem is etc. To make it easier for people to give us that information, we developed the Donkeys in Distress Checklist which you can download and print. This form is used in all of The Donkey Sanctuary operations so why not print a copy and take it with you when you next go on holiday? You can then either scan and email it to us, post it fax it or call us and go through the details on the form over the phone. Here in Cyprus, the Government Animal Inspectors will soon be using it as part of our Working Together scheme!

If you live in Cyprus then it might be quicker for you to contact the local police and Mukhtar to report an abandoned or injured animal first and then contact us, especially if the donkey is near a road or it is in another district.

Remember, your details will not be disclosed to anyone without your permission (see our Data Protection Policy).