Promoting and preserving the breeding of the unique donkeys and mules in Australia.
The aim of The English and Irish Donkey Society of Australia All Breeds Register Inc is to promote and preserve the breeding of the unique donkeys and mules in Australia.
The English and Irish Donkey Society of Australia was founded late in 1976 by a small group of enthusiasts who had either imported purebred English or Irish donkeys from England, Ireland or New Zealand, or, who had the first generation progeny of these donkeys.
To maintain breeding records, a Stud Book was formed for Pure Bred donkeys and a Register for Part Bred English/Irish donkeys, a supplementary Register of Identification (I.D.) mares was also started.
This was necessary as there were so few Pure Bred mares imported to Australia in the early days of breeding. These I.D. mares have to meet a certain standard, be English or Irish in type and heritage, and under 11 hands high. Progeny of these females, by registered Pure Bred Stallions are eligible for registration as Part Breds. The registration levels are I.D., 50%, 75%, 87.5%, and 100% (Pure Bred).
In 2002 the society created a separate Miniature registry, then in 2003 the aims of the society were extended to include all other breeds of donkeys in Australia as well as mules, in 2004 the Society's name was changed from the “English & Irish Donkey Society of Australia” to the “English & Irish Donkey Society of Australia All Breeds Register Inc” so as to reflect the new direction of the Society.
Separate registries are being developed for each breed and type. Registration provides much information to the buyer and greatly enhances the value of the stock.
