World Donkey Day - 8th May, '26

Thank you donkeys!

On World Donkey Day I salute you.

Every day should be your day! Millions of people should be thanking you. You are so important – playing a part in no less than 8 of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Goals, yet largely ignored in in terms of legal protection.

More than 90% of you live in developing countries where you play a fundamental part in the rural economy. Without you how would a subsistence farmer in Africa get his goods to market to provide an income for his family? Without you his wife and children may have to spend much of their day carrying water. Because of you those children do have time for school but without you how would they get there? Because of you women are empowered - they have time to work, to become independent or to boost the meagre income of the family.

Each one of you can be the support up to 20 people need simply to survive. You come into your own in disasters and we have so many right now. Where roads in Gaza have been bombed out of existence you are the one who will transport an injured person to hospital. When all that is left of their home is rubble you are the one who moves a family’s belongings – their life – to some sort of safety. Where mechanised transport gives up in

floods you quietly carry on – saving lives.

We find you toiling in mines, in brick kilns, on building sites. We see your scars, your weariness, your suffering, your life without kindness. Yet still you carry on. You are beyond value yet truly under-valued. We also see the joy you bring to people with life challenges – your quiet and gentle company is so, so good for the soul. There is something magic about you and I am lucky to have been touched by that magic. You are all important and beautiful

and you all deserve to be recognised for the amazing animals you are. We should all work

towards a world where kindness reigns and you are treasured.

Every day should be your day.

Anna Harrison - Veterinary Adviser - Safe Haven For Donkeys in the Holy Land

BSc(Hons) BVSc(Hons) CertWEL MScIAWEL AFHEA MRCVS

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