10/19/2026
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1E1kV1x5Ag/
Everyone does not need a donkey.
As anyone who follows me knows, I am incredibly passionate about donkeys, and their well-being. It can be very difficult to see the conditions that so many local donkeys are kept in. In Arizona, at least, it is extremely easy to obtain a donkey, either through the Bureau of Land Management and their partnerships, Facebook, Craigslist, local rescues, and "kill pens." Sadly, the criteria to purchase or adopt a donkey from most of these avenues is extremely minimal, and it is always the animal who suffers from ignorant, ill-prepared, or misinformed new owners.
Luckily, many owners do properly educate themselves prior to getting donkeys, or fix mistakes once they realize any errors they may accidentally make. These owners are fantastic, and deserve so much credit for doing the best for their long-eared additions. Unfortunately, many people just do not seem to care, or truly do not realize what donkeys actually need. I know it may seem as though I harp on this quite frequently, and I do. But for example, within just a half-mile of me, there are (or were) at least six donkeys who are visibly suffering from lack of hoofcare, obvious lameness, morbid obesity, open fly sores, and more.
It is incredibly frustrating that in Arizona, livestock have very few protections under the law. They are not required to have shade, in an area that regularly sees temperatures of 115+ degrees, farrier care, or really anything except food and water on the property. I just wish people realized just how intelligent, sensitive, and affectionate donkeys can be, when given proper care, attention, and training. They are not animals that should be acquired on a whim, especially considering they have an average lifespan of 35 years. That is a very long time to subject such a sentient being to a life of neglect, pain, and misery.
Over the next few days I am going to highlight some of the amazing characteristics of donkeys that make them such wonderful companions, as well as the challenges that owning them presents. If this can open just a few potential adopters' eyes and help the lives of just a few donkeys, then it will be worth my time and effort!
