Response to a concern about 3 donkeys in NL

Eyes on Animals received an anonymous concern about the housing conditions of several donkeys not far from Amsterdam. Together with the complaint were several photos showing a barren and small housing facility for 3 donkeys. Upon arriving we observed the donkeys and the approximate 10m2 of space each one had. Part of their housing was indoor and part was outdoor, but on bare concrete. The donkeys could see eachother, but all other forms of social behaviour was largely restricted because they were divided by wire fences. We spoke to the wife of the owner who said that they were kept like this all year round, one of them since 10 years, but that children come every couple of weeks to brush them and that her husband offers them toys. Nevertheless we expressed that this was not an ideal housing environment for donkeys, and that they would appreciate having the opportunity to excercise and perfom other natural behaviours. She plans to remove the dividing fences soon. We can only hope that her husband will react positively to our visit and not defensively, and will consider some ways of improving the quality of life of his donkeys or find them a better suited home with land. We will stay in contact with the owner and monitor any progress.