International animal welfare charity, The Donkey Sanctuary, has this week been granted Non-Governmental Organisation status by the United Nations.

The accreditation is evidence of The Donkey Sanctuary's growing international reputation and allows the organisation more opportunities to participate at a higher level on the world stage.

Ian Cawsey, director of advocacy at The Donkey Sanctuary says: "This is great news and places us right at the heart of the UN family. We have been working at the United Nations for around 18 months, and this status recognises our value, and that we have a voice that needs to be heard, so that donkeys and mules are not forgotten."

"As a recognised NGO, we can participate in more influential meetings and events, with increased opportunities to make our case. We will also be consulted on issues that could affect the welfare of donkeys and mules."

Ian concludes: "This is a great recognition and it is now for us to maximise this new status and to ensure even more people know about The Donkey Sanctuary and why donkeys and mules matter."

The Donkey Sanctuary celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2019. This milestone is an opportunity to both look back on the charity's landmark achievements and take stock of the massive challenges in a world where the suffering of animals remains abhorrent.

Since its foundation by Dr Elisabeth Svendsen in 1969, The Donkey Sanctuary has grown from a charity rescuing UK donkeys from neglect and abuse, to an international welfare organisation transforming the lives of millions of donkeys and mules, and the people who depend on them for a living.