Thanks to the continued generosity of Animal Aid Abroad donors, our partner organisation Friendicoes operated a vital mobile treatment camp in Kedarnath in September. Led by Dr Akhilesh and joined by Australian volunteer vet Dr Livia De Biase, the dedicated veterinary team provided critical medical care, emergency treatments, and general health checkups to 2,590 working mules during peak pilgrimage season—while also supplying soft muzzle nets, hoof picks, and hands-on owner education.
The veterinary team treated a range of common ailments, including colic, wounds, hoof disorders, and lameness. The camp played a vital role in safeguarding the health and welfare of working mules by ensuring they received timely, comprehensive, and compassionate veterinary care.
2590 animals were treated for various problems in September. A general health checkup was given to 1067 mules. They also handed out soft muzzle nets to stop the hungry animals from eating rubbish and plastics left behind on the Kedarnath track. Hoof picks were also part of the equipment given to the handlers so hooves can be regularly checked and cleaned. Running education sessions was a regular daily event, teaching owners about basic care of their animals.
During the month of September, we funded the rescue of one pony from Ghaziabad that had been abandoned by its owner. The pony was brought to the Friendicoes shelter, where he will now live out his days.
Animal Aid Abroad also funds the Field Paravet Program, where six trained paravets provide vital emergency and non-emergency treatment for equines in outlying areas of Delhi. Two paravets were needed in Kedarnath [ Om and Sakir], Sameer in Bharatpur treated 75 equines; Jaheer in Jewar gave medical assistance to 87 equines; Nabab in Mathura assisted with 72 horses and donkeys; and finally, Arsh in Delhi, NCR provided assistance to 92 equines.
