HELPING US MAKE DONKEYS LIVES BETTER

In our last newsletter, we spoke about the help we need from any of you who are concerned about a donkey you see. We’re sure you’ll understand how difficult it can be for us to resolve some situations, particularly as we have no legal jurisdiction. Fortunately, we’ve got to know many more owners over the years and developed a good relationship with most. This makes it a lot easier if we need to speak to them about a concern, or if we can then tell people that we know the donkeys involved and can explain the situation.

Frequently, by providing explanations about the general welfare of a donkey to concerned members of the public, helps people learn and understand more about donkey health.

Sometimes there may not be an issue with a donkey, but we’re always grateful for everyone who contacts us, regardless of whether there is definitely a problem or not. Sadly, we can’t always deal with every case but will always do our best whenever we can.

A huge help from you to us is to send photographs (and/or videos) and an exact location of where the donkey is. Although it can be upsetting to see any animal in an awful state, evidence can be crucial and so if you do come across a donkey you think may be in trouble, please help us by sending in the information we need.

Next year we’re hoping to be able to give some talks to other animal welfare organisations about donkey welfare. Not only can basic knowledge about a species enable people to have a better understanding, but it can also help us to have more ‘eyes and ears’ out there. We’re also working on information to put on our website and Facebook explaining how to make an official complaint to the authorities as this can emphasise the need for improvements to animal welfare.

It can be a long, slow process to getting improvements but with your help, it can make a difference. Thank you to those of you who have contacted us over the years and told friends and relatives who we are. By doing so, you’ve helped us help so many donkeys.