The Donkey Sanctuary

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The Donkey Sanctuary is a UK charitable organization devoted to the welfare of donkeys.

It was founded by Dr Elisabeth D Svendsen MBE in 1969 and was registered as a charity in 1973.

The aims of The Donkey Sanctuary are to prevent the suffering of donkeys worldwide through the provision of high quality, professional advice, training and support on donkey welfare.^[1] In the UK and Ireland permanent sanctuary is provided to any donkey in need of refuge.

Just outside the town of Sidmouth, Devon The Donkey Sanctuary is home to around 500 donkeys. Visitors are encouraged and return time and again to meander among the donkeys and absorb the serene and relaxed surroundings.^{[citation needed]}

In the UK and Ireland the Donkey Sanctuary has taken over 11,800 donkeys into its care. Many of these have been rescued after having been cruelly neglected and others come from loving homes for various reasons, perhaps due a change in the owner's circumstances, illness or moving house. The owners have been concerned for the donkeys’ future and, therefore, relinquished them into the Sanctuary's care.^{[citation needed]}

No donkey is refused admission to the Sanctuary - provided it has a certificate of fitness to travel. The charity never buys or sells donkeys, and it has a non-breeding policy.^[2]

Overseas, teams of staff are helping hundreds more donkeys every day, by providing free veterinary treatment and giving practical advice to the owners who are dependent on their animals. In total in 2004, the Donkey Sanctuary provided over 127,797 treatments to donkeys and mules in developing countries. The Donkey Sanctuary currently has major projects in Ethiopia, Kenya, Mexico, India, Spain and Egypt.^{[citation needed]}

More recently, the Donkey Sanctuary has established a Spanish branch in Fuente de Piedra, near Málaga in Spain. El Refugio del Burrito has taken over 68 donkeys into its care, the first one rescued being Romero, who had been used as a donkey taxi carrying tourists around the town of Mijas on the Costa Del Sol.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Elisabeth Svendsen Trust for Children and Donkeys

This charity was established in 1989 to help children with special needs lead a fuller life through interaction with donkeys.^[3] It offers help to over 150 children a week with riding lessons; all classes are free.

Its operations are closely linked with those of the Donkey Sanctuary. The Trust operates at the Sanctuary's base in Sidmouth, and in other centres across England.^[4]

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