Terms and conditions
This page provides details of the requirements that are considered necessary to ensure the well-being of the donkeys that are cared for as part of the fostering program of Il Rifugio degli Asinelli ONLUS.
This page is also an integral part of the assignment agreement. Both parties agree to respect all its contents.
The term ‘donkeys’ includes donkeys and their hybrids (mules and hinnies), horses and ponies, unless otherwise stated.
The Donkeys
Due to their propensity to form close friendships, donkeys are normally fostered in pairs or small groups.
Depending on availability at the time, a single donkey may be fostered as a companion to a donkey owned by the foster owner. In such circumstances there is a requirement that foster applicant sign a ‘companions agreement’ to ensure the ongoing health and welfare of the fosterdonkeys. This will be subject to a 21 day “cooling off” period to allow the foster carer to reconsider their position before taking a donkey into foster care from Il Rifugio degli Asinelli ONLUS.
Mules, hinnies, horses or ponies can be fostered individually or as pairs if the foster owner owns other subjects (hybrids, horses or ponies). In this case, following the possible termination of foster care, only the animals originally owned by Il Rifugio degli Asinelli ONLUS will return to the sanctuary. The ownership of any privately owned hybrids, horses or ponies will not be transferred to Il Rifugio degli Asinelli ONLUS in these situations. Only privately owned donkeys that appear to have formed a close exclusive bond with a donkey fostered by Il Rifugio degli Asinelli ONLUS will be subject to the details of an “accompanying agreement”.
Donkeys should not be kept with other farm animals and can not be fostered as companions to horses or ponies. Where horses, ponies or other animals are cared for in the same place, it is important that they are managed and housed separately.
All locations for foster homes will be considered. However, homes located in a remote location where the provision of services (e.g. veterinary care) is likely to be difficult may be rejected. The decision will be up to the European Director.
Property
The donkeys in the fostering program remain the property of Il Rifugio degli Asinelli ONLUS.
Routine visits by members of the Il Rifugio degli Asinelli welfare team will be arranged on a regular basis to help ensure the welfare of the donkeys participating in the fostering program and support the foster carers.
Il Rifugio degli Asinelli reserves the right to remove donkeys from foster care if, in its opinion, it is necessary to do so.
Legislation
The foster carers must comply with all regulations relating to animal welfare. Foster carers must not have been banned from keeping animals or have previous convictions for animal welfare offences.
Costs
All costs relating to the donkeys, including food, bedding, dental, farriery and other veterinary care will be the responsibility of the fosterer carer. More information on the cost of owning a donkey can be found in our resource hub.
Training
All potential foster carers and people who may have the responsibility of caring for the donkeys will receive adequate training from Il Rifugio degli Asinelli ONLUS before the arrival of the donkeys in order to learn the best donkey care practices.
Specific training and/or support courses will be organised for those who are considering fostering donkeys with specific needs. Any considerations made during training which may impact on a foster carer’s suitability to foster donkeys will be discussed and the relevant Donkey Welfare Adviser (DWA) will be advised to take these into consideration in the fostering decision.
Foster carers are encouraged to deepen their knowledge of donkey care and behavior by attending more advanced training courses and seminars. Details of the courses available can be found on The Donkey Sanctuary UK website.
Environment
The suitability of the donkeys’ shelter and living environment will be assessed and determined by the DWA during a visit. This assessment will be based on the general requirements for keeping donkeys, as detailed below, taking into account the individual needs of specific donkeys and the environmental characteristics of each location.
Pasture/paddock
For each donkey, a minimum of 2,000 m2 (4,000 m2 for a pair) of suitable and safe pasture and/or exercise area is required.
The perimeter fence must be permanent, secure and well maintained.
Poisonous plants, shrubs and trees should be removed or fenced off appropriately. Fruit trees may need to be fenced off in some seasons.
Stable/shelter
Donkeys must have access to a permanent artificial shelter at all times, which is of sufficient size to accommodate all the donkeys that will access it (at least 4.7 m2 per donkey if medium/small in size, 7.8 m2 if medium/large in size) . The shelter must have a roof and three closed sides. The design and construction should protect from wind, rain, sun and insects.
Adequate hard flooring is required inside and at the entrance to the shelter.
Management
The foster carers must spend sufficient time with the donkeys. This will generally improve the sociability and well-being of the donkeys.
Donkeys must be checked twice a day. The daily routine should include hoof cleaning, grooming and cleaning the stable or shelter.
Clean drinking water is essential and must always be available. Adequate and appropriate nutrition must be provided in order for donkeys to maintain an adequate body condition and ensure that their specific needs are met, from a health and welfare perspective.
Continuous support
Ongoing support to foster carers is provided by the DWA or another representative of Il Rifugio degli Asinelli who will carry out periodic visits to the donkeys as needed, but at least once a year.
Foster carers can seek advice on any donkey-related matters by contacting their DWA.
The DWA must be informed of any change in circumstances which may affect the welfare of the donkeys.
The foster carer must allow the DWA or other representative of Il Rifugio degli Asinelli access to the donkeys upon request.
Reproduction
Reproduction is not permitted.
In the unlikely event that a foal is born to a foster donkey, the foal will be the property of Il Rifugio degli Asinelli, who will determine the most appropriate arrangements for the future welfare of the foal.
Insurance
It is required, at a minimum, that the foster carer insures the fostered donkeys for third party civil liability. Insurance for veterinary expenses is encouraged.
Events and activities
Donkeys and people benefit from a variety of activities and environments; however, foster donkeys cannot be used for commercial purposes or income-generating promotional activities
Participation in other events and activities must not be undertaken without the prior consent of Il Rifugio degli Asinelli ONLUS and consultation with the DWA. Foster owners should also check that the proposed activity is covered under the terms of their insurance policy.
Veterinary care
Before delivering the donkeys, the foster carer must provide their DWA with the names of the chosen vet, farrier and dentist. Il Rifugio degli Asinelli ONLUS can support the foster carer in finding a suitable vet, farrier and dentist in the area.
Donkeys’ hooves must be trimmed regularly by a qualified farrier, registered with the relevant national organisation. This will normally need to be done at 6-10 week intervals. In countries where there is no national registration body for farriers, a farrier with specific experience with donkeys and who has adequate insurance cover should be chosen.
Parasitological examinations and related treatments must be carried out in accordance with guidelines from the attending veterinarian.
The attending vet will be responsible for all routine veterinary care decisions with advice and support available from Il Rifugio degli Asinelli’s veterinary department. In the event of a serious clinical problem, the treating veterinarian must discuss the case with a veterinarian from Il Rifugio degli Asinelli taking into account our policies, where applicable.
Influenza and tetanus vaccinations should be maintained in line with current recommendations from Il Rifugio degli Asinelli. In the event of an epidemic, more frequent vaccination boosters may be necessary to ensure the donkeys have the best possible level of protection. It is recommended that when your vet is responsible for vaccinating donkeys, a routine health check is carried out.
Dental care should be performed by an experienced equine dentist or equine dentist. The foster carer will be informed about the frequency of dental visits based on the individual needs of the donkeys before fostering. The minimum is once a year, but more frequent checks may be necessary for donkeys with clinical needs and/or under 5 years of age. When treatments and further checks are recommended, this must be respected. It is necessary to obtain the relevant documentation after each treatment and examination; a copy must be sent to the DWA so that the donkey’s medical record can be updated.
If a donkey becomes ill or suffers a serious accident, the foster carer must request the intervention of a veterinarian. The DWA must be informed whenever the veterinary surgeon is called (other than for routine care) as soon as reasonably practicable.
Death of a donkey
When a donkey dies or is euthanized, it is important that the DWA is informed as soon as possible.
The DWA will discuss with the foster carer the most appropriate course of action to follow regarding the remaining donkeys. In the event that Il Rifugio degli Asinelli provides a new companion, this should be compatible with the remaining donkey.
In certain circumstances an autopsy may be required. This will only be required after consultation between the treating vet and a vet from Il Rifugio degli Asinelli.
Euthanasia must be performed by a veterinary surgeon. The cost for euthanasia and disposal (only the basic costs of cremation) will be supported by Il Rifugio degli Asinelli. Disposal of the body should be discussed with the veterinary surgeon and agreed in accordance with any applicable local legislation. Il Rifugio degli Asinelli can offer advice if necessary.
Passports
It is a legal requirement that an identification passport must be kept for each donkey. All donkeys entrusted by Il Rifugio degli Asinelli are registered as “not intended for food production (not DPA)” and identified as such in their passport.
The passport will be provided by Il Rifugio degli Asinelli and must accompany the donkey to which it refers when relocated as part of the foster program. The donkey carer is responsible for looking after the passport and will be responsible for replacement costs if it is lost or damaged. In the event that a donkey returns to Il Rifugio degli Asinelli, it is necessary to also return the passport. After the death of a donkey, the passport must be returned to Il Rifugio degli Asinelli, except in countries where local legislative procedures apply. The DWA will be able to offer advice in these circumstances.
The passport must be available to the DWA, the attending veterinary surgeon or a local authority officer on request.
Foster carers are advised that, in the event of the donkeys being moved for any reason (even temporary) from the place where they are normally kept, the foster carers and/or the transporter must ensure that the passports are available for inspection during the journey or at the new location. Foster carers must inform Il Rifugio degli Asinelli of any movement of donkeys involving an overnight stay and, if not permanent, the expected date on which the donkeys will be returned to their usual place of detention.
Do not hesitate to contact the Wellness Department of Il Rifugio degli Asinelli ONLUS for clarifications or explanations on any aspect of the foster care programme.