Improving the Lives of Working Animals in Botswana with Veterinary Care, Education & Humane Equipment

Animal Aid Abroad (AAA) is proud to welcome the Maun Animal Welfare Society (MAWS) as our newest partner group in Botswana. In May, MAWS completed a landmark outreach trip to the Seronga region, bringing lifesaving veterinary care, humane equipment, and welfare education to working donkeys and horses across six remote villages: Seronga, Gunotsoga, Beetsha, Eretsha, Gudigwa, and Sepopa.

Overcoming Distance to Deliver Care

Reaching Seronga is no easy task. The journey involves pothole‑ridden tar roads and punishing sand tracks that threaten the vehicles essential to MAWS’ work. Thanks to the combined efforts of partner organizations and local supporters, the team traveled by road and boat to deliver care where it is most needed.

Veterinary Services for Working Equines

Working equines in Botswana are vital for transport, farming, and livelihoods. Yet they often suffer from parasites, wounds, and injuries caused by ill‑fitting equipment. During the outreach, the team provided:

• Parasite treatment with Panacur and tick grease.

• Hoof trimming and farrier care.

• Wound treatment for injuries caused by poor harnessing.

• Humane equipment exchange to replace harmful tack with safe bridles, bits, and harnesses.

All equine owners were registered, creating a database for follow‑up care and long‑term monitoring.

Team on the boat to Seronga.

Unloading supplies with the CLAWS team.

MAWS vehicle on the road to Seronga.

Horses at the clinic.

Community Engagement and Education

Education was central to the outreach. Owners received guidance on humane handling, workload management, and shelter hygiene. School children participated in interactive activities, learning how to care for animals and becoming future advocates for welfare.

Wendy checking an infected eye.

Donkeys with new harnesses provided through Animal Aid Abroad funding.

Case Highlight: Storm the Donkey

On the final day, the team treated Storm, a donkey attacked by a crocodile. Despite a severe leg wound, veterinary care ensured his recovery, showing the resilience of working animals and the importance of timely intervention.

Owner holding old versus new bits — showing improvement in equipment quality.

Old harmful harness were exchanged for new equipment.

Donkeys at the Seronga clinic.

Partnerships That Make Change Possible

This outreach was made possible through collaboration:

- AAA sponsored the equine clinic.

- CLAWS provided groundwork and financial support.

- SwampStop and Lance Dixon assisted with boat transfers.

- MackAir flew in emergency rabies vaccines.

- Volunteer veterinarians Dr. Michael and Dr. Wendy Colgan led treatments, supported by MAWS’ dedicated team.

Saddle wound requiring treatment.

Mouth wound from rope bit.

Animals & Proud Owners

Here are just a few of the animals we helped during our outreach, and some very proud and caring owners.

Proud owner with his donkey fitted with a new halter.

Horse fitted with new bridle and equipment.

Donkey owner with new harness provided.

Donkeys waiting for harnessing — Seronga outreach.

Equines awaiting treatment under the Animal Aid Abroad banner.

Farmer with his replacement tack.

Turning Burden into Care

The high turnout demonstrated the urgent need for these services in remote areas. By combining treatment, humane equipment, and education, AAA and MAWS are proving that local partnerships are the key to global change — ensuring that working animals in Botswana live with compassion, dignity, and protection.