Acknowledgements

All the contributors to this handbook are employed by, or associated with, The Donkey Sanctuary and information is evidence based or is the shared experience of past and present members of staff. The content reflects this vast experience and knowledge and we would like to acknowledge and thank all the professions for their willingness to share information and findings for the greater good of the health and welfare of donkeys.

Special thanks must go to Neil Frame BVM&S CertEP CertVA MRCVS; RCVS Advanced Practitioner (Equine Practice) of Frame, Swift and Partners, Penrith. He has been enthusiastic in giving his time and experience to proof read and to provide the practical guidance on the relevance of the contents of this book to the practitioner and other professionals. His pertinent comments and advice have been valuable in ensuring this is a clear and easy reference tool for all those working with, or with an interest, in the health and welfare of donkeys.

We would also like to thank our proof readers, who have given their time and been thorough in making this the professional book that we aspired to; Alison Hills, freelance proof reader, New Zealand and Liz Hazell-Smith, Research Assistant at The Donkey Sanctuary.

No book would be complete without images and illustrations and we have used a comprehensive selection for reference. Kate Selley holds and manages a vast collection for The Donkey Sanctuary and she has used her drive, enthusiasm and positivity to obtain specific images for this book and also to select appropriate images from her collection. Her contribution to the book is much appreciated.

Dedicated to the memory of
Dr Elisabeth D. Svendsen MBE.
and to the continuing path at
The Donkey Sanctuary for improving
the health and welfare of donkeys worldwide.