MARES Successful outreach actions in Zimbabwe

Matabeleland Animal Rescue and Equine Sanctuary (MARES) recently undertook education and outreach clinics in west Matabeleland.

An accompanying veterinarian treated donkeys in need of attention. VAWS Vic Falls and Greenline Africa were also involved. This project was supported by Animal Aid Abroad.

The MARES team was enthusiastically received in the town of Mabale and Chief Dingani commented that this was the first time help had been made available to working donkeys in this region.

After assessing and educating on donkey welfare, humane harnesses and carts, the team had a good idea of the needs of the community and will return to help further improve the conditions affecting working donkeys and therefore also their owners. More humane harnesses are needed as well as adaptations to the carts.

The team then proceeded to Victoria Falls for a two-day clinic. Further humane harnesses and cart adaptations were implemented, as well as education on donkey care. A most encouraging observation was that harnesses that had been distributed a few years earlier were generally still in use, in good condition and no harness wounds were evident on those donkeys.