Pair of donkeys pulling a cart

Donkey Welfare Initiatives at UC Davis

13th Annual Donkey Welfare Symposium

October 4-5, 2025

“Seeking Truth: Exploring the balance between research, experience, and evolving knowledge in donkey care.” 
 

Recording Coming Soon

Stay Tuned  

We thank the sponsors for the 13th Donkey Welfare Symposium:

Peacefully Valley Donkey Rescue 
HALTER Project

We thank all the Veterinary Students that volunteered to make a fantastic Symposium!

Here are some of the Speakers:  

  • Dr. Alex Thiemann 

  • Cindy Davis 

  • Dr. Cindy Xue 

  • Dr. Erin Goodrich 

  • Dr. Eric Davis 

  • Dr. Andria Lessler 

  • Dr. Emily Berryhill

  • Dr. Shaaban Faez

  • Megan Hensley

  • Dr. Steven White
     

Covering topics on:

  • Parasite Control

  • Nutrition

  • Cushings Disease = PPID

  • Keratomas and Hoof Rehabilitation

  • Botulism and Tetanus

  • Cancer and more...


More about the Donkey Welfare Symposium 

The Donkey Welfare Symposium brings thought-provoking presentations and discussions aimed to improving the health, welfare and well-being of donkeys and humans caring for donkeys.

 

Symbol of the Donkey Welfare Symposium

The International Animal Welfare Training Institute (IAWTI) Organizes and Hosts the Annual Donkey Welfare Symposium since 2013 through the collaboration between the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and  organizations committed to the welfare of donkeys. 

The symposium has become a global venue for annual discussions of donkeys and the issues they face in the modern world.

For the first 8 years, the Donkey Welfare Symposium has been under the leadership of Dr. Eric Davis and Cindy Davis. 

In 2021, Dr. Eric and Cindy Davis have retired from their directorship roles, and Dr. Lais Costa became the director of the Donkey Welfare Symposium. 

Dr. Eric and Cindy Davis remain the strong driving force of this annual event.  We thank them for their lifelong commitment and dedication to the health, welfare and well-being of donkeys worldwide.

Peacefully Valley Donkey Rescue and the HALTER Project have sponsored the Donkey Welfare Symposium since its inception. We are thankful for the unwavering support from the Peacefully Valley Donkey Rescue and the HALTER Project.

 

MAKE A GIFT 

 

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The educational contents 12th Donkey Welfare Symposium are coming out soon. 

 

We thank the sponsors for the 12th Donkey Welfare Symposium: the Peacefully Valley Donkey Rescue, the HALTER Project, Eagle-Eye Sanctuary Foundation, Selway Family Foundation, and Oscar's Place Adoption Center and Sanctuary.  

We also thank all attendees and those that donated to the Donkey Welfare Symposium Fund. 

 

View 2013 to 2020 Donkey Welfare Symposiums

 


Donkey Welfare Educational and Research Projects

The Donkey Welfare Symposium Fund aids veterinary students in educational trainings.  

 The Donkey Welfare Symposium Fund provides support for Research Projects