Support and welfare for working donkeys

Thanks to a generous handful of incredible donors, the ARRC Donkey Project has officially kicked off with real momentum — and we couldn’t have done it without you.

Your support has already allowed us to purchase much-needed veterinary medications specifically suited for equine use, including antibiotics and pain relief for donkeys in need. These are often difficult and expensive to obtain, so having a dedicated stock has made a real difference.

As we look toward winter, we’ve also begun storing nutritional supplements in advance. These become harder to source later in the year, and this preparation ensures we can support donkey health when resources are scarce.

We’re exploring the use of high-visibility materials for donkey collars to improve safety at night, especially near roads. This simple, innovative step could help prevent unnecessary accidents.

One of the most exciting milestones so far has been launching our very first Young Donkey Club in Selwane, designed for under-18s. Lesson One focused on donkey welfare and basic anatomy, and thanks to your donations, we were able to provide engaging educational materials and group activities — including discussions on how carts should be designed. The children were fantastic, and we’re excited to grow this initiative further.

Education is at the heart of lasting change, and this applies just as much to donkey owners. We’re working closely with local communities to improve understanding of proper care, humane working conditions, and sustainable treatment methods. Building this knowledge helps change attitudes and, in time, transforms lives — for both the animals and the people who depend on them.

One of our biggest challenges is the production of safer, more humane harnesses and bridles. The materials needed for this work — things like proper webbing, padding, and hardware — are incredibly costly and not locally available. So far, we’ve been able to refit five donkey carts, but we urgently need further funding to continue this vital part of the project.

Looking ahead, we have big dreams. We want to acquire a dedicated transport trailer for sick or injured donkeys, so we can safely bring them to our land in Selwane for treatment and recovery. We’re also aiming to install water points in key areas, sparing donkeys from walking miles just to reach the river.

Your support has already set so much in motion. With your continued help, we can do even more.

Warmest thanks,

Joanne Marden

Project Co-ordinator

ARRC – Animal Relief for Rural Communities