Friendicoes September 2023 Report

One long-standing partner group that receives support from AAA donors is Friendicoes, based in India.

Friendicoes have sent us a report on their September 2023 activities, during which they held a 2 week mule treatment camp at Kedarnath. —The mobile equine team along with field paravets worked at Kedarnath for treatment of sick and injured animals. They also held workshops with local equine owners on common problems and solutions for better care of the mules working there.

Some of the main health conditions treated include Colic due to poor feed and water management, backsores due to overloading, lameness due to foot punctures, digestive problems, worms, eye injuries, respiratory infections and other wounds due to overcrowding on the tracks leading up and down the mountains.

Another problem is the amount of foreign bodies ingested by these animals as they are left to forage in garbage dumps. Stomach tubing was done for 75+ horses over the 15 days.

Over 300 cases of saddle sores were treated and dressed. This is caused by improper padding, loose saddles and very uneven ground on the hill tracks. Next month the group aim to distribute ointments, dusting powders and blankets to help avoid this issue from occurring.

To help with the issue of lameness, a farrier called Gopal will be accompanying the October team to address some of the poor shoeing that causes punctures and injuries on rocks and sharp objects.

It is quite dangerous working conditions in this area, so the work of the team in trying to combat some of the issues is sorely needed.

The team also rescued an elderly, weak and emaciated donkey from Gurgaon who is now safely housed and cared for at the sanctuary.