Blindlove Working Donkey Program, Grahamstown, South Africa - April Update

Another successful Working Donkey Outreach took place on Sat 20th April, thanks to you, with 16 donkeys and 6 horses that attended.

Another batch of 12 humane harnesses were distributed, as well as snaffles bits, 2 bridles and 4 numnahs [ saddle padding] for the donkey and horse owners.

All the donkeys and horses were checked, treated for external parasites like ticks

and flies and dewormed if they had not yet attended an outreach.

 All minor wounds, most from ill fitting harnesses, were cleaned and treated,.

One poor donkey had recently both his ears cut off very short, the owner saying it

was because of fighting with other males. We sent him home with some antiseptic

ointment to put gently put on what was left of his ears to prevent infection and

keep flies away.

One of the horses had a small saddle sore that was healing.

One little donkey called Skollie had come into contact with a porcupine and had a

couple of small wounds from the quills that needed to be cleaned and sprayed

with wound spray. They were otherwise healing nicely.

Skollie is an older donkey and chatting to his young owner, we learned that the

young man was wanting to retire him and was saving up to buy a new younger

donkey, preferably female. He told us he needed R 500 to buy a new donkey. He

also wanted Skollie to be put on the castration list.

Another elderly man also had another 2 he wished to be castrated so we are just

waiting to hear from the vets when they can do them.

Hooves were also checked, cleaned out and filed where needed.

All the donkeys and horses were kept happy munching on carrots during the outreach clinic.

Our next outreach is set for Sat 25th May

Sending you so much gratitude, as your support plays a critical role in getting much needed medical care to these working donkeys and helps our partners continue this important work. We are honoured to have your trust and support.