Somaliland needs more help

During the month of October, the Social & Animal Welfare Service (SAWS) in Hargiesa, Somaliland treated an amazing 237 animals through their mobile clinics. The local communities are very appreciative of this free service. They treat a range of ailments that the working and street animals suffer from.

As many donkeys forage for food among garbage, it is important for them to be dewormed regularly to avoid internal parasites.

Due to poor harnessing and overly heavy loads, wound treatment is one of the major issues that SAWS deal with. These wounds generally occur on the donkey's back, shoulder, nose and mouth.

Unfortunately wounds from beating is still a common issue and where possible, the team provide education to owners to try and reduce this welfare issue.

Many donkeys also suffer from respiratory disease with symptoms including coughing, nasal discharge and fever.

The SAWS team also make sure every donkey they come across has clean, trimmed hooves and is well hydrated.

Currently confined to Hargiesa city, the SAWS team would like to be able to reach the outer areas where there is a demand for veterinary care not only for donkeys, but for livestock as well.

There is also no animal sanctuary in the area, so while they do their best to maintain the health of as many animals as they can, some animals require more intensive care and while there is no facility for this, many animals are lost.