Donkey and mule lovers formed the Donkey Society of Queensland in 1984. We are a member of the national body, Affiliated Donkey Societies of Australia, dedicated to the promotion, welfare and enjoyment of all long ears.
Who we are
Committee 2022/2023
President: Karen Chicoteau
Vice President: Tanja Thomas
Secretary: Julia Byatte
Treasurer: Greg Archer
Donkey Shop: Rachel Allan
Donkey Express Editor: Corinne Nash
Website: Reilly Baker & Katy Driver
Patron: John Kunde
Life Members: Jenifer Simpson, Marilyn Summerhayes,
Heike Mack
Hall of Fame Members: John Kunde, Merleen Tigell, Ivan & Marilyn Summerhayes, Sydney Hewison
Area Representatives
Brisbane South: Wendy Look
Gold Coast: Jenny Randall
Scenic Rim: Julia Byatte
Moreton Bay: Joy Hendon
Sunshine Coast: Catherine Parkes
Kilcoy: Faye Brown
Gympie: Rachel Allen
Kingaroy: Sydney Hewison
Gin Gin: Jane Armatys
Sarina: Dan Orr
Events
For the latest donkey events in Queensland and news that affects our equine community, check out what’s happening in our world of longears.
Membership
Join the Society for further information, education, welfare, activities,
friendship and contacts for donkey lovers. You don’t have to own a
donkey or mule to join in the fun.
The Donkey Society of Queensland (DSQ) produces a quarterly
newsletter, the Donkey Express. You will also receive the national Donkey
Digest Australia magazine quarterly.
If you are a member of the DSQ, you are automatically a member of
the Australian Horse Industry Council (AHIC) and the Queensland
Horse Council (QHC). As such you will receive via DSQ any information
distributed by AHIC and QHC such as newsletters or information on
issues that may crop up in the wider equine community.
More reasons to become a member:
• Donkey Workshops, Shows and Fun Days
• Advertising in the Donkey Express
• Support through our Area Representatives
• Use of the Society’s National Breed Register
• Public liability insurance for DSQ-organised events
• Two votes per membership at meetings or AGM
• DSQ supports donkey welfare groups here and overseas
Like to become a member?
Fill in this form and email it back to us.
We look forwarding to welcoming you.
Registration
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.
Donkey Shop
The society has a range of books, donkey care
products and assorted items for sale.
Buy someone a gift, or shout yourself one at the Donkey Shop.
Frequently asked questions about donkeys
What do I do with a donkey?
Anything you can do with a horse you can do with a donkey. Children and adults can ride the donkeys, harness them up and drive them in a cart, carry packs for trekkers or just accompany their owners for walks/picnics in the bush. Donkeys are kind, lovable animals that enjoy human company and thus make excellent companions. They are also in demand for Anzac Day parades, Christmas nativity plays and therapy pets for the disabled or older people in care homes.
Why are donkeys like chocolates?
Because you can’t stop at one! Besides being addictive there is a more serious reason you should not keep a solo donkey. Even though they are herd animals they will often pair off with a best friend buddy within that herd. They remain bonded for life with their chosen pal and will do absolutely everything together. This is one of the big social differences between horses and donkeys. A lone donkey is a lonely donkey. In some cases, if kept alone they will pine, go off their food and get very depressed. Yes, people do successfully keep a single donkey with horses, ponies, alpacas or other animals, but they are at their most contented when they have another donkey pal.
I want a donkey as a pet. What should I look for?
Geldings (castrated males) and jennies (female donkeys) make wonderful pets as they are usually calm in temperament, endlessly curious and, when trained and confident, love to be around humans. A jack however is a stud male and should never be considered as a pet because he is potentially dangerous when the hormones kick in. Even though you may think the jack is friendly, breeding is his number one priority and he can quickly become an unruly problem, not only for humans but for other livestock as well. Leave the jacks to the professional breeding studs. Or, if you do intend buying a jack, geld him straight away. After the hormones subside, you will be left with a loving pet that is not dangerous for you or the kids to be around.
Before you get a donkey, be mindful that donkey geldings play ‘rough’. In the paddock, they often rear and bite at each other which can unnerve first-time donkey owners but no harm generally comes from it. Playing is part of their natural routine so don’t let that put you off – geldings are still wonderful little characters. In my experience, jennies can’t be bothered too much with that ‘boy stuff’.
Join our donkey group on Facebook – Donkey Society of Queensland – for your daily dose of donkey news, jokes, buying, selling and interaction with fellow donkey and mule lovers.
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