Horses and Bullocks Benefit from Free Veterinary Care & Owner Education
In India, our partner group Action for Protection of Wild Animals (APOWA) provided essential veterinary care for over 100 horses and bullocks in July. They vaccinated 356 animals and trained 32 owners in animal health and welfare.
This critical work is powered by your fantastic support and generous donations.
Mobile Clinic
Last month, APOWA’s mobile clinic reached 105 working horses and bullocks. This vet clinic provides care for animals whose owners cannot afford to pay for treatment. The team treated a variety of illnesses including fever, infections, injuries, cough, wounds, infections, diarrhoea, skin complaints and malnutrition. As part of their efforts to improve animal welfare, the team also educated animal owners on proper care and handling practices.
In addition, 356 animals received preventative vaccinations last month. This forms part of APOWA’s long-term efforts to promote health and prevent diseases in working animals.
Helpline Desk Service
APOWA’s helpline desk service provided assistance for 27 animal owners in July. This not only improved the health of working animals but strengthened the bond between owners and their animals. By providing immediate professional guidance on animal health and best practices in care and management, the service acts as a vital platform for direct communication between veterinarians and owners.
Working Animal Champions
Working Animal Champions are trained community members who provide basic veterinary care within their local areas. In July, they provided first aid for 48 bullocks. This helped to relieve immediate discomfort and prevented more serious health issues from developing. Working Animal Champions not only provide first aid but also promote animal welfare and educate owners about good husbandry practices.
Education and Training
Training is a key component of empowering animal owners to effectively care for their animals. Educated owners create a safe, supportive environment for their animals, recognising early signs of illness and administering proper care. This not only leads to healthier and more content animals, but also encourages responsible and humane ownership. Thirty-two animal owners attended a training workshop in July to learn about animal health, welfare and husbandry practices. As the monsoon season continues, the APOWA team also provided advice on animal care during monsoons.
Follow-up Visits
Sixteen follow-up visits were conducted by veterinary staff to assess the recovery and general health of previously treated horses and bullocks. The veterinarian monitored the effectiveness of earlier treatments, identified any emerging concerns and adjusted the care plan accordingly.
The veterinary team also assessed the condition of 46 animals following their vaccinations. They checked for signs of any adverse reactions and ensured the animals had remained healthy.
Thank you for having a heart for working animals. Your compassionate support is making an enormous difference for horses and bullocks in India. Together, we are helping to alleviate their suffering and give them lives worth living.