Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 8th November 2024
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

SPANA launches appeal for India brick kiln donkeys
Working animals frequently work in temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.
Working donkeys can suffer open, weeping wounds.

The Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad (SPANA) has launched its winter appeal, which will support working donkeys in India.

Thousands of working donkeys are involved with India’s traditional brick kiln industry which, producing 250 billion bricks per year, makes India the second largest brick producing country in the world.

Working equines assist approximately 15 million workers in the industry, transporting loads of newly moulded bricks to and from kiln ovens. The equines are frequently working in temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.

These extreme conditions can have a detrimental effect on the wellbeing of the equines.

Ill-fitting and overloaded harnesses can cause working horses and equines to suffer open, weeping wounds. The loads result in crippling lameness, as their joints struggle with the weight of the bricks.

The equines also struggle with overloading, exhaustion, malnutrition, dehydration and diseases due to lack of vaccinations.

SPANA has chosen India’s brick kiln donkeys and mules for this year’s winter appeal.

It will work with the states of Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh to provide equines with vital veterinary treatment and lifesaving vaccinations through mobile veterinary clinics. SPANA will also hold training sessions with animal owners to teach them how to look after their animals’ welfare.

SPANA’s work is entirely funded by donations, and so it is calling for members of the public to help them with its cause.

Anna Boulker, veterinary advisor at SPANA, said: “SPANA is determined to ensure these injured, dehydrated and exhausted animals receive the veterinary care they need. Our training sessions are also transforming the lives of brick kiln donkeys and mules, by showing owners how to look after their animals’ welfare.

“For example, owners are learning how to fit padded back protectors and harnesses made of softer material with smaller brick pouches to reduce the risk of overloading and prevent wounds and lameness.”

To help support SPANA’s winter appeal, visit its website.

Image © SPANA

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.