If you are very experienced in dealing with equines, getting a rescue donkey can be a good idea. For inexperienced people, it can be overwhelming or dangerous. Unwanted donkeys that you might find at auction may be abused or neglected animals, wild-caught animals or unhandled or spoiled animals. All of these can be extremely problematic. You are really best off seeking out a reputable breeder or looking through ads posted by individuals on local message boards and services that match current owners with those seeking donkeys and other animals. It is always best to be able to see the donkey in its home environment, interact with and get to know it before bringing it home.