Horses and Bullocks Benefit from Free Vet Care and Owner Education

Our partner group in India, Action for Protection of Wild Animals (APOWA), reached 98 working horses and bullocks in February.

Through their mobile vet clinic, they provided general health check-ups for working animals and treated a variety of illnesses and injuries. Thanks to your donations, APOWA can provide this service free of charge for people who cannot afford veterinary care and don’t usually have access to these services.  

Some of the issues seen in February were:

  • Stomach infections and pain caused by food poisoning and worms,

  • Fevers, colds and coughs caused by viruses,

  • Ear and skin infections,

  • Worm infestations,

  • Skin infections caused by allergies,

  • A mouth infection. 

APOWA also administered 315 vaccinations for working animals and dewormed many others. Additionally, the team provided first aid for 69 animals during February.

Twenty-six animals were assisted indirectly via APOWA’s helpline service last month. The helpline is run by the vet team, who give animal owners information and assistance over the phone. They may provide information on animal care, diseases or injury management. Rural farmers have greatly benefitted from this helpline, as they can receive immediate advice to assist their animals. 

Along with veterinary care, APOWA offer training for owners on animal health and welfare. In February, they ran three workshops for 97 animal owners. Owners were taught:

1. Proper feeding and nutrition,

2. Disease prevention and vaccination schedules,

3. Correct handling and housing of animals,

4. How to fit harnesses,

5. Animal welfare and ethical considerations.

The training workshops are designed to encourage behavioural change and the use of scientific treatments rather than cruel, traditional ones. Owners are urged to monitor and care for their animals on a regular basis, and to seek assistance from a veterinarian when needed.

It is only due to your incredible support and generosity that groups like APOWA can provide free veterinary care for working animals and essential education for their owners. You are helping to change the lives of so many horses and bullocks in India, and are creating a more compassionate world for all animals.

Renate Homburg