Karen is the Director of Equine Operations (Veterinary and Welfare) at The Donkey Sanctuary where she leads the clinical team in delivery of veterinary care and supports the UK welfare, Europe and Ireland teams to ensure that all donkeys and mules cared for by The Donkey Sanctuary receive a high standard of veterinary care. Karen qualified with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science from the University of Bristol in 1994 and has a PhD in veterinary pharmacology. She is the author of a wide range of peer-reviewed articles relating to donkey medicine and welfare. Alongside providing veterinary care and advice, Karen leads her team in developing and delivering educational materials globally to professionals, students and owners involved in the care and management of donkeys and mules. Her research interests include welfare assessment, pain assessment and management and an evidence based approach to herd health. She has developed a comprehensive herd health programme that has helped deliver improvements to the health of donkeys and mules in sanctuary care.