Donkey Shelter
proudly supported by
Donkey Shelter Inc. was founded by Dr. May Dodd to help orphaned,
abandoned, suffering and mistreated donkeys.
It opened in August 1997, and is located on 28 acres in Diamond
Creek, which is approximately 20 kilometres north of Melbourne. The
land on which the Shelter is located is privately owned by May, and
is provided by her at no cost to the Shelter.
Donkey Shelter is a non-profit, charitable organisation that
receives no government funding, although from the 1st of July 2006
donations are now tax deductible. We rely totally on public
donations, donkey sponsorship, fundraising events and the help of
volunteers to continue the work.
Our Mission
- Love and care for neglected, unwanted and abused donkeys
- Assist people with physical, mental and intellectual handicaps through
the calming, gentle influence of 'donkey therapy'
- Enable the contribution of donkeys to the Australian community to be
better appreciated and enjoyed
Implementation
Donkeys may be taken in by the Shelter for a number of reasons:-
- They are rescued from situations of neglect and cruelty
- They are surrendered by owners who are no longer able to care for them
- They are bought at stockyards to prevent their being sold for slaughter
for petmeat
As soon as they reach the Shelter, the donkeys are nursed back to health
and rehabilitated if necessary.
When they have recovered, donkeys whose health and temperament allow it will
be located to carer homes. Old donkeys, those with ongoing health problems,
and those with an unsuitable temperament, will remain at the Shelter.
Some donkeys are suitable to join the fundraising team, and these will also
remain at the Shelter. All funds raised are used solely for the welfare of
the donkeys.
Donkey Shelter Inc. does not sell or breed donkeys. The only donkeys born at
the Shelter are those whose mothers were already pregnant when they arrived
here.
