Warning Against Buying Miniature Donkeys
We want to warn people against buying miniature donkeys on impulse at markets or auctions. They look sweet but are not easy pets. Donkeys need proper stabling, hay during the winter, a well fenced paddock and regular hoof trimming from a proper farrier. All this is expensive and, moreover, donkeys should never be kept on their own. A single donkey is a miserable donkey.
The Miniature Donkey Association is very concerned that some of the donkeys imported from the US and sold in auctions have come a long way and are poor quality. Yet the price asked may be doubled what is paid for a health home-bred animal.
People who are thinking of buying a donkey for their children should get advice from either the Miniature Mediterranean Donkey Association (www.miniature-donkey-ass.com) or the Donkey Breed Society (www.donkeybreedsociety.co.uk) Donkeys need more care than, say, a Shetland Pony. Unless they have proper handling from an early age they will not become affectionate pets for a child. Buying any animal on impulse is almost always a big mistake.
Reported by Celia Haddon of the Pets Subjects in the Weekend Telegraph March 17th 2007. www.telegraph.co.uk/asktheexpert
Thank you to Mary West for sending us this article.
Added on: 29/05/07.
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