Source:  The Donkey Sanctuary/Dawn Vincent

Today animal welfare charity The Donkey Sanctuary launches its 29th International Donkey Week event, attracting over 300 supporters to Devon for the week and focusing attention on the worldwide plight of donkeys.

A double-decker bus parked at the Sidmouth site will be an unusual highlight of International Donkey Week tomorrow (Wednesday), demonstrating the harsh reality for donkeys overseas by comparing an Indian donkey working in a brick kiln carrying the equivalent weight of two double-decker buses in bricks each week*.

Communications manager Dawn Vincent says: “Donkeys support some of the poorest people and communities on the planet. They will work until they drop in terrible conditions to carry desperately needed water and transport huge loads to make their owners a living. The weight of two double-decker buses is a way of putting their burden into perspective.

“We work hard to support these donkeys as well as the families that could not live without them, through mobile teams providing vet treatments and educational projects all over the world. International Donkey Week is a time to consider the donkey’s plight and how charities like ours can help alleviate their suffering.”

As well as being informed of the Sanctuary’s latest projects, the 300 plus ‘Donkey Weekers’ will enjoy insightful visits to each of the seven farms in Devon and Dorset from Wednesday, where over 2,200 rescued donkeys and mules are cared for.

International Donkey Week is an opportunity to highlight the tireless work of The Donkey Sanctuary to alleviate the suffering of donkeys around the world and people can help support the cause by donating, visiting and volunteering. Check out  www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/redbus  for further details.