Enhancing the Lives of Horses and Bullocks Through Essential Care & Education

Your kind donations are helping to support our partner group, Action for Protection of Wild Animals (APOWA), who are truly making a difference for working animals in India.

Their mobile clinic recently provided essential veterinary care to 93 working animals, including horses and bullocks.

A variety of health concerns were addressed by the veterinary team, including fever, respiratory problems, wounds and injuries, infections, diarrhoea, dermatological problems and malnutrition.

Additionally, the team emphasised owner education, such as guidance on appropriate animal care and handling practices that improve long-term welfare. Training equips animal owners with the knowledge and practical skills they need to keep their working animals healthy. Enhancing the knowledge of owners helps them to recognise early signs of illness, provide appropriate care, and maintain a safe environment for their animals.

Thirty-five animal owners participated in a training workshop covering animal health, welfare and best practices in husbandry during August. The major focus of training was caring for animals during monsoon season.

To protect against future diseases, preventive vaccinations and deworming medications were administered to 338 animals.

In addition, 24 animal owners received remote guidance and assistance via the project's helpline desk, which ensures timely support in addition to field visits. This service allows owners to communicate directly with veterinarians, ensuring professional advice is provided on animal health issues, along with best management and care practices.

Through APOWA’s working animal champions project, 37 bullocks received first aid care during August. Working animal champions are local community members who are trained to provide immediate relief for injured or unwell animals. This helps to prevent more serious health concerns from developing.

The team conducted various follow-up visits to monitor the recovery and overall health of previously treated or vaccinated animals. Seventy-eight animals were followed up in order to monitor treatment outcomes, address emerging concerns and adjust care plans as necessary. Owners were advised on how to support their animals’ recovery and foster long-term health and welfare, such as via the provision of clean water and ensuring humane handling.

Thank you for your heartfelt compassion for working animals. With your ongoing support, APOWA will continue to provide essential care for horses and bullocks, and educate their owners to ensure the animals’ welfare is improved long-term.