Rescued Working Animals Find Peace at Friendicoes’ Sanctuary

One of Animal Aid Abroad’s partner groups in India, Friendicoes, rescued no less than seven working animals during March. In one case, a pony and donkey were found tied together with a rope on a highway near Gazipur Village. They had simply been abandoned by the roadside and, sadly, the pony was completely blind. Friendicoes promptly attended to both animals, gently loading them into their van and bringing them safely to their shelter in Gurgaon. These two already seem relaxed within the sanctuary and have been happily munching away on fresh greens.

Another three equines were also rescued by Friendicoes recently, with assistance provided by the animal charity, PETA. Two mules from Shahdara and one mare from Seelumpur were discovered in very weak, emaciated conditions. They were transported to the sanctuary and have been warmly welcomed by all the staff members.

PETA also provided Friendicoes with support to rescue two working bullocks. Both bullocks had previously been used to pull carts around old Delhi and would have worked extremely hard. They were rescued from Shahdara and finally had their painful nose ropes cut and removed. Both animals are now enjoying some well-deserved rest and relaxation at Friendicoes’ sanctuary following a lifetime of hard labour.

As well as completing these rescues, Friendicoes undertook a project in March distributing keens to working animals in brick kilns. The soft padding issued by the team is extremely important for preventing back sores in these hard-working creatures, since repeated friction from heavy loads often causes painful wounds. Animals working in brick kilns rarely obtain any rest, so Friendicoes are attempting to ensure that their backs and spines are properly, consistently protected.

Along with issuing keens, the Friendicoes’ veterinary team attended to a pony from a brick kiln who had unfortunately already developed a back wound due to inadequate padding along his spine. The wound was cleaned with antiseptics and dressed, plus pain medication and a tetanus vaccine were administered. The paravet is planning to follow up this case to ensure the wound is healing. Sadly, this little pony will be put back to work almost immediately but the team ensured he received a keen, which will hopefully make him more comfortable and prevent any further injuries.

Animal Aid Abroad are so pleased to support Friendicoes as one of our partner groups, knowing they are making a real difference in the lives of many working animals in India.