Why register your donkeys?
Donkeys and mules come in many different sizes, colours and origins. One of the reasons for having a registration record of the animals in Australia is to identify these differences and origins. In recent years, we have seen the importation of different breed types: Mammoth, Irish, English and Miniature, to name a few. We also have many “teamster” or “bush” donkeys that were the backbone of our rural societies in days gone by.
In much the same way as a dog or cat microchip works, registration identifies individual animals which reduces conflicts of ownership and allows animals to be identified in the case of that animal being lost, particularly during natural disasters such as floods, fires and storms.
It is not solely for breeders. It is just as important for paddock pets, often of unknown parentage, to be registered on the Affiliated Donkey Societies of Australia (ADSA) database to keep track of the animals, see what types are being kept and the origins of the animals. It’s crucial in building up a picture of the national donkey herd.
An animal with identification that is registered has its ownership details, parentage, breeder and current whereabouts recorded on the ADSA database. When an animal is sold and the transfer details are entered into the records, we can track the animal through its life.
Kerrie Haynes-Lovell, Registrar for the Affiliated Donkey Societies of Australia, often gets calls from people wanting to find out more about a donkey they have purchased or sold and lost track of. She can sometimes help them in their quest to find more information. Sadly, more often than not, she can’t help them as the animal is not in the records. This can be heart-breaking for someone whose search suddenly comes to a dead end.
If you haven’t registered your donkey or mule, why not consider doing so? If you require a registration form, or a copy of the registration rules, contact Kerrie Haynes-Lovell – phone 0416 167 453 – Email: lotsodogs@iinet.net.au – for an electronic copy. Alternatively, the form and rules are available on the ADSA website – www.donkeysadsa.org
Registration costs (one off)
• Jack registration $40
• Jenny registration $10
• Gelding registration $5 (including transfer from colt registration)
• Hybrid – mule or hinny $5
• Official Height record $5
• Transfer of ownership $5
• Stud prefix registration $5