On Wednesday 25th August 2010, welfare officers from the Sidmouth-based Donkey Sanctuary will present a top regional award to the owners of a working donkey in Clovelly from 11am at The Donkey Stables.

Sue and Bart Kelly’s tall skewbald donkey Jasper has been given the title of Best Single Working Donkey (South West) by the donkey-welfare charity which is running a new ‘Working Donkey Awards’ scheme this year, helping to recognise owners achieving the highest standards of welfare for their donkeys in individual regions of the UK.

The awards given to donkeys working in recreational roles encompass certain criteria about the donkeys’ suitability for the job, temperament, general health, tack and turnout and all year-round living conditions.

Lionel Ford, the Sanctuary’s regional welfare officer says: “Jasper provides donkey rides on Clovelly Green and is very well cared for and has a lovely, friendly nature. We feel he is the South West’s top donkey because his owners have very high standards in the care they provide and he’s ticked every box for us.”

Whilst Jasper scoops up his top regional award tomorrow, four donkeys owned by Julie and Peter Wibrow in Paignton are due to receive their award for Best Group of Working Donkeys (South West) on Friday.

The South West award winners receive a saddle badge and trophy etc., which are supplied by local sponsors (Mole Valley Farmers, T.A.M. Marketing Ltd, Stewerts Coach and Bus and Imperial Sports).

Whilst the majority of working donkeys in the UK receive high standards of care, the same cannot be said for donkey taxis working in tourist hotspots in Mainland Europe or the millions being overworked in developing countries where they provide essential transport to millions of people living below the poverty line. Find out how The Donkey Sanctuary provides sanctuary from suffering to donkeys both at home and abroad by visiting our website.

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