2009 sees The Donkey Sanctuary celebrate its 40th year of commitment to the care and welfare of donkeys throughout the world.

Over 13,000 neglected or unwanted donkeys have found a Sanctuary for life in our care throughout the UK, Ireland and other parts of Europe, and this number is ever-increasing.

About our campaign
Sanctuary for life
Sanctuary from suffering
How we help donkeys
Spreading our expertise
Our devotion to donkeys
Ways to get involved
What's on in your area
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Our Sanctuary from Suffering campaign, during the 40th anniversary celebrations, focuses predominantly on the international aspect of our charity’s work - an area many people are unaware of.

Our major projects are found in Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Kenya and Mexico. In these countries, Sanctuary from Suffering comes in the form of free mobile clinics, education for donkey owners, children and veterinary surgeons and students. By funding local teams including veterinary surgeons and education officers, we administered over 322,800 treatments to working donkeys in 2008 alone.

During their visit to one of our clinics, the donkeys can rest whilst given a full health check. Their teeth and feet are tended to and any wounds are nursed by our caring staff.

The donkeys also benefit from the free advice and support given by our teams to their owners. Donkeys, who work tirelessly for their impoverished owners are able to find some respite with our help.

Our challenge for the next 40 years, and beyond, will be to continue caring for thousands of donkeys at our Sanctuaries and to expand our international work to help prevent the unnecessary suffering for millions of donkeys who are still waiting for our help.