Giving Donkeys and Horses in South Africa the Care they Deserve
During September, Blind Love in South Africa treated 57 donkeys and 33 horses at their veterinary outreach days.
In addition, they used your generous donations to buy some much-needed feed for hungry cart horses.
DONKEY OUTREACH ACTIVITIES
The first donkey outreach day was held on the 20th of September and 30 donkeys attended.
One poor donkey was treated who had been burnt with boiling water. Thankfully, dedicated Donkey Champion, Michael, had already provided this donkey with basic care, so the wounds were healing nicely. Each month, Blind Love leaves a box of basic wound care and medication with Michael to treat any donkeys owners bring to him. This system is working well and donkey owners are making good use of him!
A few donkeys were seen for bites under their necks due to fighting with other males. The little donkey with mites we reported on last month now has a fine fuzz of fur over her bare patches of skin.
A pair of donkeys were also seen with severe harness rubs on their shoulders from ill-fitting harnesses. The owner was advised to rest the donkeys and received two new humane harnesses.
A second outreach was held on the 30th of September and 27 donkeys attended. Although this day focused on the Population Donkey Project funded by Animal Kind International, each donkey who attended was also given a health check. Any minor injuries or wounds were treated, their hooves were checked and harnesses were replaced as needed. Funds for these activities were generously provided by Animal Aid Abroad.
As part of the Population Donkey Project, all males who attended receieved a contraceptive injection. Vet, Dr Annie, treated another donkey infested with mites. She also trimmed the hooves of two little donkeys who came in with long ‘slipper’ hooves.
Last month, many donkeys presented with mouth sores caused by bits. Many of the donkeys were wearing decent snaffles the team have distributed over time, but Dr Annie concluded it was oxidation from the bits causing sores. She has suggested Blind Love try to get some rubber bit stoppers. The team also educated owners on the need to clean their bits at the end of each day, since this also contributes to sores.
September was a positive month and provided the team with confidence that they are heading in the right direction in terms of the overall welfare of the donkey population in Grahamstown, South Africa.
WORKING HORSES OUTREACH ACTIVITIES
It was a slower month up in the Free State Province due to heavy rains. The rain is desperately needed, however, after a long and dry winter. Sadly, the two outreaches scheduled for Botshabelo had to be cancelled because of the rain. The money for these outreach days was instead used to purchase much-needed feed for cart horses, who are all looking very skinny.
Four outreach days were still held in Thaba’nchu and a total of 33 horses attended. All horses were given health checks. Minor wounds were cleaned and treated, and treatment was provided for internal and external parasites.
Harnesses were also checked, adjusted and replaced where needed.
Last month, the team saw some serious saddle sores from horses being ridden after work hours. They also treated a girth gall and harness rub wounds from ill-fitting harnesses.
Blind Love have expressed their heartfelt gratitude to all of Animal Aid Abroad’s supporters. Your kindness and generosity allows these vital programs for working donkeys and horses in South Africa to continue.