The Donkey Sanctuary

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Shelter for Feeding Donkeys on Lamu, Kenya, established by The Donkey Sanctuary in 1987
Shelter for Feeding Donkeys on Lamu, Kenya, established by The Donkey Sanctuary in 1987

The Donkey Sanctuary is a British charitable organization devoted to the welfare of donkeys based near Sidmouth in Devon, England.

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[edit] History

The Donkey Sanctuary 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 to return time and again to meander among the donkeys and absorb the serene and relaxed surroundings.

By 2004 the sanctuary had taken over 9,000 donkeys into its care.[2] And three years later in January, 2007 that number had risen by another 3,000 to 12,000.[3]

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.[4] There are about 2,700 donkeys in the sanctuaries care on ten farms in the UK and Ireland, together with 1,900 in foster homes.[3]

In other countries, teams of staff help hundreds of donkeys every day, by providing free veterinary treatment and giving practical advice to the owners who are often dependent upon their animals. 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 countries such as Ethiopia, Kenya, Mexico, India.[5]

The Donkey Sanctuary has also established a branch in Fuente de Piedra, Málaga province in Spain. El Refugio del Burrito has taken nearly 50 donkeys into its care. [6]

A branch was established on the island of Lamu, Kenya, in 1987[1]

[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.[7] 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.[8]

[edit] References

  1. ^ The Donkey Sanctuary. The Charity Commission, Central Register of Charities for England and Wales. Retrieved on 2007-04-05.
  2. ^ "Home from home for donkeys in need", BBC News, 2004-03-19. Retrieved on 2007-04-27. 
  3. ^ a b Template error: argument title is required. 
  4. ^ Annual Report, 2005-6. The Donkey Sanctuary. Retrieved on 2007-04-05.
  5. ^ Student Travel grants. British Veterinary Association. Retrieved on 2007-04-27.
  6. ^ Málaga Province - Fuente de Piedra. Retrieved on 2007-04-27.
  7. ^ The Elisabeth Svendsen Trust for Children and Donkeys. The Charity Commission, Central Register of Charities for England and Wales. Retrieved on 2007-04-05.
  8. ^ Profile of the Elisabeth Svendsen Trust for Children and Donkeys. Intelligent Giving. Retrieved on 2007-04-05.

[edit] External links