Donkey Shelter

Donkey Shelter Inc. was founded by Dr. May Dodd to help orphaned, abandoned, suffering and mistreated donkeys.

 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.