The Brooke - First-ever 'Happy Donkey' competition in India

A group of children gathered in the Gadapuri community of Delhi recently for the country's first-ever 'Happy Donkey' competition organised by the Brooke - the UK’s largest overseas equine welfare charity. The competition, judged by Brooke veterinary staff in India, aims to encourage local children to take good care of their working donkeys, and teach them kindness to their working animals.

More than 30 children between the ages of 8 to 14 brought their donkeys to be assessed by the Brooke team who looked at the health and fitness of each animal. All the children were keen to demonstrate how well they look after their donkeys.

Salman, aged 8, won the first prize and told Brooke India staff: "My donkey won the first prize! I keep my donkey clean and healthy. My donkey makes sure we have money always, and I am very happy with Brooke doctors - they come to my home and check on my donkey and show my family how to keep him happy. That’s why I won this competition."

Children at the Happy Donkey competition © Amit Pasricha

Other winners included 10-year-old Salman, who won second prize, and third prize winner 11-year-old Salim.

"When we started our animal welfare project in Gadaipuri we found the donkeys were weak, injured and suffering from diseases - mainly caused by malnutrition, overloading and overworked", says Brooke Community Animal Health Worker, Abbas.

"The idea for the competition evolved from a group meeting with children and we found it to be an effective way of encouraging them to be sensitive towards their animals. As a result, the children have become more aware of the importance of welfare."

The competitions were established by the Brooke in India to encourage children to learn and get more involved with their animals, and teach the next generation of animal owners basic skills, such as grooming, hoof care and feeding.

To view pictures of the 'Happy Donkey' Competition click here.