The Donkey All Breeds Society of Australia (‘DABSA’) evolved from the original English Donkey Society of Australia.

The English Donkey Society of Australia was founded in 1976 by a small group of enthusiasts who had either imported purebred English/Irish donkeys from England, Ireland or New Zealand, or, who had first generation progeny of these donkeys.

The society’s name was later changed to The English and Irish Donkey Society of Australia to recognize both places of origin of the imported stock.

To maintain breeding records, a Stud Book was formed for Pure Bred Donkeys, and also a Register for Part Bred English/Irish Donkeys.

A supplementary Register of Identification (ID) mares was also started. The ID Register was necessary as there were so few Pure-Bred mares imported to Australia in the early days of breeding. These ID mares had to meet certain criteria. Criteria were that they be English/Irish in type and heritage, and under 11 hands high.

Progeny of these females, by registered Pure Bred Jacks are eligible for registration as Part Breeds.

The Register records breeding in a range of categories: I.D, 50%, 75%, 87.5%, and 100% (Pure Bred).

In 2002, the Society created a separate Miniature Registry. This Registry was open to all breeds of donkeys meeting certain height requirements.

In 2003, the aims of the Society were expanded to include all other breeds of donkeys in Australia, as well as mules.

In 2004, the society's name was changed from the “English and Irish Donkey Society of Australia”, to the “English and Irish Donkey Society of Australia All Breeds Register.” This reflected the expanded aims of the society which would now maintain stud books and registers for all breeds or donkeys in Australia and mules

In 2008, as the society evolved further, a final name change was agreed upon.

The Donkey All Breeds Society of Australia is now a thriving and broad-based organisation, encompassing and including all types and breeds of donkeys and mules in Australia.