The Donkey Breed Society is the British Society for everyone whose love and interest is in the donkey. Founded in 1967, the Donkey Breed Society seeks to encourage a fuller and more active life for those donkeys who are much loved family pets or companions to other animals. We believe that a donkey is not just an ornament for your paddock and that a busy donkey is invariably a happier donkey. For more information about the society and its aims, please click here                          Site information updated: 17th November 2008 Working for Donkeys and their Owners               for more than 41 years

The latest volume of the Donkey Breed Society Studbook is available now at £6 inc p&p.  Apply to the registrar at her address in 'the Donkey'or email registrar@donkeybreedsociety.co.uk

The Donkey Breed Society AGM and Dinner took place at the Templeton Hotel on Saturday 10th November.

This was a historic occasion as this was the first ever AGM held in N.I. since the society’s formation in 1967.

Council members from England, Scotland and Wales deliberated on the business of the day and this proved to be both informative and gave N.I. members a better insight into the workings of the society.

N.I. members travelled from all arts and parts and it was welcoming to see those who had made the special effort to attend from Enniskillen. Several information tables were also on display during the day to give members a chance to peruse a wide range of interests. Tables included displays from the Active Donkey Award Scheme, a N.I. members photographic display, a table detailing donkey driving , as well as a display of foreign breeds and ‘Smart Ass donkey rugs’ kindly brought along a selection of rugs for owners to peruse. Local artist ‘Lorna Hamilton’ from Crossgar also displayed some of her beautiful donkey portraits and the art gallery ‘Castle Upton’ also had a beautiful donkey painting on show.

There was a DBS merchandise table for those wishing to make early christmas related donkey purchases! Following on from the business of the AGM, members had the chance to mingle under a more informal atmosphere at the evening dinner. Donkey chat was the order of the day and many notable donkey breeders, exhibitors, judges, show representatives and society supporters enjoyed what can be only described as a thoroughly superb night. Entertainment was provided in the form of the Irish dancing group ‘Celtic Storm’ from Crossgar who were simply stunning and music was kindly provided by traditional Irish musicians ‘The Pluckin Squeezers’ as well as more modern music provided by ‘Maggie Jane’s.’ Both groups helped to keep members dancing into the early hours of the morning.

Particular mention must also go to Miss Sarah Andrews from Annahilt who was the successful recipient of the beautiful Active Donkey Award Cup. Sarah has been a tireless ambassador in promoting the positive attributes of the donkey in several activities and has been a keen supporter of the scheme for 7 years. Well done Sarah. Finally, special thanks must go to – Dr Yvonne Canavan, Hester Little, Elizabeth Croskery and Bill Tetlow for helping to organise the AGM

On this Remembrance Sunday we remember the equine casualties of war, especially the donkeys and mules who carried munitions to the front line between the 28th July 1914 and the 11th November 1918.  Whilst no exact figures are available for donkey and mule casualties it is possible that over 8,000,000 horses died on all sides during that period.