Tanzania Humane Charity (TAHUCHA) September case study

In September 2022, Tanzania Humane Charity (TAHUCHA) attended a donkey (Jenny) with a wound at the base of her left ear. The cause of the wound was a bite from a stallion during mating.

The TAHUCHA team managed the Jenny’s wound by cleaning aseptically with antiseptic and dressing the wound with bandages. Painkillers and antibiotics were also administered to prevent secondary bacterial infections.

The Jenny was prescribed rest, and being watered and fed until full recovery.

The TAHUCHA team also conducted an education session to communities in brick kiln areas where many donkeys are working. The aim of the training was to raise awareness of the serious welfare issues of working donkeys in Bukombe, especially avoiding the use of wooden ox yoke harnesses that cause intense pain and wounds at the neck. It is advised instead for the use of plastic yokes that do not cause serious wounds at the neck. The response from the donkey owners is excellent, with 90% having changed their harnesses and appreciating that the the use of the plastic yoke is better than wooden ox yoke and this has in fact improved the overall health of the working donkeys.

We would like to extend our sincere acknowledgement to Animal Aid Abroad and it’s donors for their keen heart felt assistance for the sake of working donkeys health in Bukombe.