Joe Collins, PhD, MRCVS, is chief veterinary advisor at The Donkey Sanctuary, in Devon, England. He qualified as a veterinarian at University College Dublin in 1987. He then worked in equine practice in the U.K. and Ireland, including a three-year equine residency at Cambridge University Veterinary School.

After that, Collins undertook a World-Horse-Welfare-supported PhD project titled, “Equine health & welfare in Ireland,” 2007-2010. He commenced working for The Donkey Sanctuary (TDS) in 2015. He is largely involved in policy, advocacy, and campaign work on many issues, including the global trade in donkey skins.

In addition, Collins is currently a vice president at the Federation of European Equine Veterinary Associations and an independent expert on the EU Platform for Animal Welfare, where he chairs the Voluntary Initiative on the Welfare of Equidae.

Collins kept horses and ponies in Ireland, particularly when his daughter still lived at home. He also has much experience with senior donkeys, because TDS rescues, rehomes, and cares for many well into their 30s and even 40s.

Collins believes end-of-life decision-making is a particularly difficult but essential issue we must all tackle sensitively, respectfully, and with courage. At TDS, “Our vision is a world where every donkey has a good quality of life.”

You may contact Collins at: joe.collins@thedonkeysanctuary.ie.

Further Reading

The Global Trade in Donkey Skins. Dr. Joe Collins. MySeniorHorse.com