The Dutch Committee for Afghanistan is delighted to announce signing of three partnership grants with The Donkey Sanctuary (TDS) over the last 5 years with a focus on equine welfare and care. This third project known as “A Holistic Model for Sustainable Donkey Care” commenced on May 5, 2026, and will continue until May 4, 2030, for four years. The Donkey Sanctuary is a UK-registered international charity, established in 1964, with a core mandate focused on the welfare and protection of working donkeys and mules worldwide.
Through this partnership, both organizations will continue their shared commitment to improving the well-being of working equines and supporting 6,250 beneficiaries in Bamyan, Takhar, and Badakhshan provinces of Afghanistan. The project aims to strengthen equine welfare systems through a comprehensive and community-based approach. This includes promoting improved knowledge, responsible husbandry practices, and enhanced community awareness around humane treatment and care of working animals.
The initiative places strong emphasis on strengthening animal health and welfare services through collaboration with Private Local Service Providers and community-based structures. It also supports capacity development within higher education, equipping students with practical skills in equine handling, basic welfare assessment, and humane management practices. In addition, the project fosters community engagement by encouraging local influencers, volunteers, and stakeholders to promote compassion, reduce animal suffering, and support a more balanced relationship between people, animals, and the environment.
This integrated “one-welfare” approach reflects a long-term commitment to improving the livelihoods of equine-dependent communities while advancing sustainable and humane handling of animals to advance animal welfare practices across the target provinces and beyond.
