Why Do People Keep Donkeys?

A donkey can have many uses; here are just a few:

Protect sheep/cattle & goats

Once a donkey has bonded with a herd it will protect them against canine predators (foxes, dogs, coyote) as it would one of its own. It beds down with the animals at night and on hearing any strange noises will voice a warning to the herd and chase, often trampling, the predator.

Foal or stable companion

The donkey seems to have a calming effect on horses. It can be introduced to a mare and foal and on separation from its mother the foal looks to the donkey for support. In a similar way a donkey can be an excellent field or stable companion to a nervous horse.

Equine Assisted Learning and riding programmes

The donkey is widely used in riding and learning, especially for the disabled due to its affectionate and kind, patient nature.

Working donkeys

There are very few working donkeys in Britain today, however, in many developing countries a donkey is a person’s most prized possession being used to pull loads and carts and to work mills and wells.