SIDMOUTH Donkey Sanctuary has defended its donors, after it was revealed the organisation was given more cash than three charities helping vulnerable women.

SIDMOUTH Donkey Sanctuary has defended its donors, after it was revealed the organisation was given more cash than three charities helping vulnerable women.In a nation of animal lovers, spokesman Dawn Vincent believed people could relate more to animal charities than those aimed at helping abused women.According to a report by New Philanthropy Capital, three charities helping seven million abused women had a combined income of £17 million, while the donkey charity received £20 million in 2006 to help 12,000 donkeys.In its report Hard Knock Life, based on 18 months of research, NPC estimated the cost to society of domestic abuse, sexual violence, forced marriage, trafficking and honour crimes was £40 billion, more than UK's defence budget.Defending the money donated to the sanctuary, which has 400 staff in 15 countries, Miss Dawn Vincent, granddaughter of sanctuary founder Elisabeth Svendson, said: "We can't dictate how people should spend their money on charities."The money we receive is spent wisely on carrying out our objectives. The reason we are here is to help donkeys."It is lucky we are an animal-loving nation. It could be considered Government should look after people's human interests. Who is there to speak up for animals? We are very grateful for the donations we receive."She said the sanctuary "could be considered small fry" compared to other charities, with £110 million given to the RSPCA and £149 million donated to the RNLI.Do you agree? Write to the Herald at 106 High Street, Sidmouth, EX10 8EF or email peter.leriche@archant.co.uk.