At the Donkey Sanctuary of Canada, we believe that donkeys deserve to be valued as individuals and not used as training tools for other animals.
One practice that sometimes occurs in the livestock industry is using a calm, experienced donkey to “halter break” young horses or cattle. During this process, the young animal is tethered to the donkey and forced to move alongside them. The donkey’s steady nature is relied upon to teach the younger animal.
While this practice may be viewed by some as a traditional training method, the Donkey Sanctuary of Canada does not support it.
Donkeys Are Not Training Equipment
Donkeys are intelligent, sensitive animals with their own physical and emotional needs. They are not simply calm, compliant animals that exist to solve behavioural challenges in other species.
When a frightened or resistant young horse or calf pulls against the lead, the donkey is expected to absorb that force and remain calm. This can place unnecessary physical strain on the donkey and create stressful situations.
The donkey’s welfare is often overlooked because the focus is on training the other animal.
Every Animal Deserves Humane Training
Modern animal training methods increasingly emphasize patience, positive reinforcement, and teaching animals at their own pace. Young horses and cattle can learn without placing another animal in the middle of the training process.
Using a donkey as a restraint or training aid shifts the burden of training onto an animal that has no control over the situation.
Our Welfare-First Philosophy
At the Donkey Sanctuary of Canada, every decision we make begins with one question:
Is this in the best interest of the donkey?
If an activity primarily benefits people or another animal while exposing a donkey to unnecessary stress, discomfort, or risk, it does not align with our welfare-first approach.
Donkeys are sentient beings with their own preferences, relationships, and personalities. They deserve to live free from being used as tools for human convenience or for training other animals.
Respecting Donkeys for Who They Are
Our mission is to provide donkeys with lifelong care, protection, and respect. We encourage management and training practices that recognize every animal as an individual worthy of compassion.
When we see donkeys as partners in their own care and not as equipment, we take an important step toward improving welfare for all animals.
