Treatment and Welfare Support Assists Donkeys During Busy Harvest Season
During May, the Lilongwe Society for the Protection and Care of Animals (LSPCA) provided essential treatment and welfare support for donkeys in Mngwangwa, Mitundu, and Dzenza. As the harvest season intensifies, donkeys are required to work longer hours and carry heavier loads, increasing the risk of cart‑related wounds, harness injuries, exhaustion, and parasite burden.
Mobile Clinics and Field Activities
LSPCA’s mobile clinics reached 84 donkeys in May:
46 received treatment for wounds, parasites, and physical strain.
38 underwent health assessments with management guidance for owners.
Owners participated in practical sessions covering:
Workload management.
Hydration and rest periods.
Wound monitoring and first aid.
Humane handling and daily checks during peak workloads.
Community members and their donkeys at the Mitundu mobile clinic, where clinical treatment was provided alongside owner guidance on animal care and management.
Donkey welfare awareness and community discussions.
Case Study: Burn‑Related Wound in Mngwangwa
One donkey presented with a serious flank wound, believed to have been caused by hot water poured on her while unsupervised.
The wound was cleaned and treated during the visit.
At follow‑up, healing was progressing well, with no infection observed.
The case prompted broader community discussions on first aid, humane treatment, and the importance of rapid response to injuries.
Administrating pain relief following wound treatment.
LSPCA staff treating wounds identified during field activities.
Practical demonstration and engagement with donkey owners.
Lameness assessment and mobility evaluation.
Assessment of the burn-related wound during initial examination.
The donkey following cleaning and treatment of the affected area.
Harness and Pack Saddle Making in Dzenza
Recognizing the link between poor equipment and injuries, LSPCA introduced pack saddles and humane harnesses to reduce friction and pressure injuries.
Four donkeys were treated for neck wounds caused by cart work.
Demonstrations covered harness fitting, load balancing, and identifying pressure points.
Two harnesses and five pack saddles were completed, with follow‑up visits planned to finish additional equipment.
Preparation of pack saddles and harnesses during the Dzenza visit.
A local craftsman fitting a pack saddle.
Demonstrating cart-related injuries associated with ox yoke use.
Challenges During Harvest Season
Increased workloads led to recurring cases of strain, wounds, and bruising.
Unsupervised donkeys occasionally sustained unexplained injuries.
Flooding and resource limitations added to the strain on welfare delivery.
To address these challenges, LSPCA emphasized community education, first aid training, and informal reporting networks to ensure injured animals receive timely care.
Building Resilience for Donkey Welfare
By combining clinical treatment, owner education, and humane equipment training, LSPCA is reducing preventable harm and improving comfort for working donkeys during Malawi’s harvest season. With AAA’s support, these interventions are transforming suffering into care, dignity, and protection for animals that sustain rural livelihoods.