reaching isolated working animals in rural areas of colombia with essential veterinary care

With your compassionate support, Namigni Animal Sanctuary in Colombia were recently able to reach working animals in isolated, rural regions of Colombia. Despite challenging conditions, they provided 34 horses and mules with essential veterinary care. The overall condition of these animals was poor, so the team plan to return so they can continue improving their health and welfare.

Context and Access

In late June, the Namigni/AAA veterinary team, under the leadership of Dr. Carlos Mario Jaramillo, conducted two mobile clinics in deeper rural regions of Cundinamarca: Villeta and Nilo.

These areas - characterised by hotter climates and more isolated agricultural operations - presented distinct welfare challenges compared to the Northern Sabana. Authorisation was limited to a reduced team, and photographic documentation of surgical procedures was not permitted.

Despite these restrictions, access to working equids in these contexts represents a significant milestone in extending veterinary outreach into Colombia’s deeper rural zones.

Clinic in Nilo, Cundinamarca

A total of 15 cattle‑handling horses were examined and treated. The overall condition of the herd was poor, with widespread fungal dermatitis, heavy tick infestations, and absence of shoeing.

Interventions included:

●      Superficial ophthalmic surgery: Excision of a periocular tumor (eyelid) under field conditions.

●      Orchitis / varicocele management: Supportive treatment provided for one stallion presenting with scrotal pathology.

●      Enucleation: One horse with severe ocular trauma underwent surgical removal of the affected eye to relieve chronic pain.

●      Systemic care: All horses received deworming and vitamin supplementation.

●      Welfare guidance: Recommendations were provided on harness and saddle use to reduce pressure injuries, and on the importance of regular shoeing for hoof protection. While receptivity was limited, the information was shared for future consideration.

Follow‑up: Given the compromised condition of the herd, a subsequent clinic was strongly recommended to monitor surgical outcomes and reinforce preventive care.

Clinic in Villeta, Cundinamarca

This intervention focused primarily on 19 mules employed in sugar cane fields, alongside several horses.

Findings and interventions:

●      Geriatric horse: An emaciated older horse was identified. Despite recommendations for retirement, the owner declined sanctuary transfer.

●      Neoplastic case: A mule presented with a tumour, but surgical removal was not authorised.

●      Wound management: Multiple superficial wounds were cleaned and treated.

●      Systemic care: All mules received deworming and vitamin supplementation.

●      Welfare recommendations: Guidance was provided on improving harnessing practices and general care, emphasising that enhanced welfare correlates with improved work performance.

Follow‑up: The team left open the possibility of a return visit, which would be beneficial given the prevalence of untreated conditions and the need for sustained welfare improvements.

Overall Impact

Across both clinics, 34 working equids (horses and mules) were examined, treated, and provided with systemic preventive care. Surgical interventions addressed urgent ophthalmic and reproductive pathologies, while wound management and parasite control improved immediate welfare outcomes.

Challenges

●      Limited authorisation for team size and documentation restricted the scope of interventions.

●      Owner resistance to recommendations, such as retirement of geriatric animals and proper shoeing practices, reflects cultural and economic barriers to welfare adoption.

●      Environmental conditions (heat, tick prevalence, fungal infections) pose ongoing risks to equine health in these regions.

mobile clinic conclusion

The June clinics in Villeta and Nilo demonstrate the feasibility and importance of extending veterinary outreach into Colombia’s deeper rural areas.

Despite logistical and cultural challenges, essential interventions were delivered, and pathways for follow‑up clinics were established.

These efforts align with Namigni and AAA’s mission to prevent suffering, provide rehabilitation, and ensure dignity for working equids, even in the most underserved contexts.

Update on Working Equines at the Sanctuary

In June, the sanctuary continued to face significant financial pressure related to feed and forage costs for over 20 rescued donkeys and horses currently under care.

Ironically, despite constant national alerts of an impending “Super El Niño” phenomenon, the Sabana de Bogotá experienced intensive rainfall, which disrupted local forage production and drove hay prices upward. At the same time, drought conditions already affecting other regions of Colombia are contributing to broader market instability.

This dual pressure — excess rain locally and drought nationally — has compounded the challenge of sustaining adequate nutrition for the herd.

Context and Challenges

The paradox of rising feed costs under conditions of both excess rainfall in the Sabana and drought elsewhere in Colombia underscores the vulnerability of equine welfare to climatic extremes.

The sanctuary’s herd - composed of rescued working equids with diverse nutritional and medical needs - remains highly dependent on stable access to forage and specialised feed.

Conclusion

June highlighted the sanctuary’s resilience in maintaining consistent care despite worsening environmental and economic pressures.

Sustained support from AAA and patron, Philip Wollen, remains critical to ensuring that rescued equines continue to receive adequate nutrition, medical treatment, and dignified living conditions in the face of volatile feed markets.