Sparing Donkeys from Pain in Tanzania

Tanzania Humane Charity (TAHUCHA) is a valued partner group carrying out vital programs for donkeys in Bukombe. In this region, working donkey welfare is generally extremely poor, so TAHUCHA’s veterinary program is critical for alleviating the often-extreme suffering of these innocent donkeys. TAHUCHA also strive to educate and inform owners, which is gradually eradicating the outdated attitudes and practices driving the mistreatment of these animals.

Recently, TAHUCHA reported on three cases that were particularly noteworthy.

Case One:

The team at TAHUCHA spotted a working donkey on their way to a mobile donkey clinic. The donkey was dull and had an abscess on her back and a visible, fresh wound on her right thigh. Her thigh wound was caused by the owner carrying out the inhumane treatment of pouring hot water onto the skin.

After examining the donkey, she was provided with medication to give her immediate pain relief. The owner was advised to rest his donkey completely to allow her to heal and was issued instructions on correct feed and water allowances. However, upon following up this case, the team were not happy with the donkey’s care and took her to the sanctuary.

TAHUCHA are very happy to report that this rescued donkey has now made progress following intensive care and treatment over the course of two months. She is visibly better, the wounds on her back have healed and her thigh wound, which has been treated on a daily basis at the sanctuary, is gradually healing too. This donkey has also enjoyed plenty of nutritious food, such as maize and grass, whilst at the sanctuary.

Case Two:

Whilst conducting their daily veterinary services in the Bukombe district, the TAHUCHA team were alarmed to see a donkey with a large, severe and erythematous neck wound, still being forced to pull a cart with another donkey loaded with 245 bricks (approximate 938kg), plus a 200kg cart. It was heartbreaking to see this innocent donkey enduring such intense pain due to wooden yoke harnessing.

The TAHUCHA team removed the barbaric wooden yoke and provided the donkey with painkillers, prior to cleaning and dressing the wound.

TAHUCHA have continued to provide treatment for this poor donkey by cleaning and dressing his wound and will do so until he has made a full recovery. It is expected that the donkey will need to rest for at least 2 months.

Case Three:

A donkey named Mabua was brought to the TAHUCHA sanctuary due to wounds on her back associated with beating. After Mabua arrived at the sanctuary, TAHUCHA undertook a clinical examination and determined the penetrating wounds on her back induced such intense pain, they had caused Mabua to lose her appetite.

TAHUCHA immediately administered painkillers to Mabua, so as to provide relief from the terrible pain. They then cleaned and dressed the wounds. Mabua was hospitalised at the sanctuary for four months until she made a full recovery.

Once Mabua had healed and the owner had been trained in humane donkey care to prevent further wounds and pain, Mabua was released from the sanctuary back to her owner. Thankfully, since TAHUCHA’s intervention, Mabua has remained happy and healthy.