Final leg of the AAA group tour - Nepal

Following is another update from Janet on the final leg of the AAA group trip - Kathmandu, Nepal

"The final leg of our trip was to visit our partner group, Animal Nepal in Kathmandu, Nepal. The day after arriving in Kathmandu from Delhi, we were taken to the new donkey sanctuary, now located in Dukuchap.

The group were warmly welcomed by Pramada Shah,

founder of Animal Nepal, Hari Joshi and all of the Animal Nepal team.

It was great to see the new sanctuary with many of the Animal Aid Abroad sponsored donkeys, mules and ponies enjoying their new surrounds and buildings.

After hanging out with the equines, including a rescued goat called Javeen and two dogs, one aptly named Lucky, we had a tour of the new donkey night quarters and other facilities.

We were also told about future plans to grow organic foods to sell, build a guest house and an education centre. All these initiatives will help provide funds for the maintenance of the donkey sanctuary and upkeep of the donkeys.

Animal Aid Abroad also funded four new weatherproof rugs for the oldest donkey residents at the sanctuary. These were brought out and One of the donkeys, Kush, did a great job of modelling it for everyone. We also handed them a full bag of medical equipment and supplies sourced by Jenny Grant that they were very happy to receive.

In the afternoon, we went to a brick kiln where we saw Dr Atish and his team conduct a vet clinic for the working brick kiln animals.

All the equines onsite were wormed, given a liver tonic and an injection for tetanus. Some donkeys had to get some extra treatment for injuries, infected wounds, fever and hooves.

Thanks to Animal Nepal’s lobbying and hard work, the living and working conditions of the brick kiln equines in the Kathmandu valley has improved dramatically. This includes working only six days a week instead of seven, working for only eight hours per day, providing proper food, water and shelter at the end of each day and setting load limits.

Thankfully Animal Nepal have built up a good relationship with the brick kiln owners and handlers so they listen and respect the advice given to them and appreciate that their animals are in better health and condition."