The 2nd Annual Donkey Welfare Symposium was recently held at UC Davis in Davis, CA. The symposium attracted over 130 participants. The 3 day event hosted many of leading worlds' experts in donkey and mule research from behavior to nutrition to surgery. Hands on labs were included on a daily basis for those wanting to learn more about donkey behavior and training by Ben Hart, farrier work with donkeys, donkey dental, parasitology, and methods for freezing jack semen. Live presentations and lectures included a variety of topics from nutritional conditions, EHV in donkeys and mules, etiology of sacroid tumors, wild burro populations, and field surgeries in developing countries with donkeys and mules.

Peaceful Valley Donkey rescue from San Angelo, Texas supplied 20 adoptable donkeys for the hands on sessions. Feedback on the 2nd Annual Symposium was very positive from veterinarians those who run sanctuaries, rescues, owners and mule and donkey breeders and judges. If you couldn't attend this year either in person or on line, think about making plans to attend next year! More information for the 3rd Annual Donkey Welfare Symposium can be found at the UC Davis Veterinary Continuing Education website and CE credit can be received for attending.

2nd Annual Donkey Welfare Symposium speaker notes will be available on the website, donkeywelfaresymposium.homestead.com

Donkey driving demonstration by Joel Viloria, UC Davis Wquine Facilities manager

Ben Hart from the Donkey Sanctuary in the UK working with potential donkey owners and donkeys provided by Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue in San Angelo, Tx

Richard Bruner, donkey farrier with Peaceful Valley demonstrating techniques some times used for more difficult situations to help safely trim a donkey's hooves.

Dr Joao Rodrigues, DVM, PhD from Lisbon, Portugal sharing his knowledge and expertise on donkey dental conditions and concerns.