Can your smallholding offer a home to South Devon beach donkeys? (From Smallholder)

Can your smallholding offer a home to South Devon beach donkeys?

12:00pm Tuesday 13th September 2011 in Equine

Today beach donkey operators, who provide rides on the sands of South Devon during the summer months, are making an appeal to find winter homes for their donkeys.

The owners would like to find alternative accommodation for their donkeys during the winter to give them a well-deserved break. They are currently working closely with international animal welfare charity The Donkey Sanctuary to find temporary accommodation for their donkeys. Lionel Ford, The Donkey Sanctuary’s regional welfare officer responsible for South West England explains: “Caring for donkeys can be incredibly rewarding, and looking after beach donkeys over the winter months will not only ensure that they can rest from their summer duties, but also give you hours of fun. Donkeys are companion animals and so any winter accommodation would need to be able to take a pair or group of donkeys. If you can provide an acre of well-fenced grazing with a shelter, fresh water supply and electricity, and have the time and commitment to care for donkeys over the winter months, please get in touch.”

The Donkey Sanctuary can provide free support and advice to anyone interested in helping out. If you would like to find out more about providing a winter home to Devon’s beach donkeys, please contact Lionel Ford on 07768 336912 or the charity’s Welfare Department 01395 578222.