Raising the Welfare of Working Animals in India

Our partner group, Action for Protection of Wild Animals (APOWA), provided veterinary services for 102 working horses and bullocks in March. The team also vaccinated an incredible 296 animals and dewormed many others. This was only made possible due to your continuing support and compassionate donations.

Through APOWA’s mobile clinic, working animals were provided with treatment for various injuries and illnesses, and received general health checkups. Some conditions seen included colic, food poisoning, worms, fevers caused by viruses, skin infections and eye infections.

Their mobile clinic usually operates in rural areas where animal owners normally have little or no access to veterinary services.

During March, 32 animal owners also received veterinary advice through APOWA’s helpline desk service. This service is vital for educating and guiding owners to better manage their animals’ health and wellbeing.

Working animal champions – laypeople in villages trained by APOWA – recently provided first aid for 66 bullocks. This project is helping to reduce the suffering of working animals more immediately.

The team continues to raise awareness about the importance of humane treatment, which is leading to a decrease in animal abuse. During March, they ran two training workshops for 68 working animal owners. This training covered:

·      Animal health and welfare,

·      Good husbandry practices,

·      Proper feeding and nutrition,

·      Vaccination schedules and disease prevention,

·      Correct housing and handling of animals,

·      Using well-fitting harnesses,

·      Ethical considerations,

·      Giving animals adequate rest periods.

Overall, APOWA’s programs are improving the welfare of working animals through better access to veterinary care, along with educating owners on the importance of providing proper care and having compassion towards their animals.