In this week’s update from Safe Haven for Donkeys, we spotlight the efforts of our vet team in El Saf in Egypt, headed up by Dr Shaaban.
One of the challenges the team face is due to the changeover of donkey handlers and donkeys at the brick kilns. As old handlers move on and new ones arrive, our vet team step in to help educate the handlers about looking after their animals, as well as providing care to the new donkeys.
I’ve shared Dr Shaaban’s report and photos below – I hope you enjoy seeing how your support is really helping to make a difference to working donkeys.
News from Egypt
Here’s our report from Dr Shaaban:
“Today we visited three brick kilns. One of them is considered to be a ‘yellow zone’ – we use a traffic light system with yellow indicating a ‘fair’ level of welfare for the donkeys.
“Unfortunately we found three donkeys with corneal ulcers and an increase of wounds caused by beating.
“The reason for this is the donkey handlers we had been supporting have moved on, and new handlers and animals have arrived at the kiln to work. As well as providing veterinary treatment to the donkeys, we were able to talk to the new handlers about caring for their animals.
“We provided treatment including antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and medicine to help treat the eye ulcers, as well as fly masks which are vital at this time of year.
“But we are seeing successes too – here is a donkey we treated for equine piroplasmosis last week, a disease caused by ticks which can have a high mortality rate. We were pleased to see he had made a full recovery!
“I’d like to leave you with a photo from another kiln, where you can see the difference we are making when we work with the owners, as well as providing veterinary treatment. These donkeys have a good body condition, are well cared for and adequately rested during the intense heat.
“Our team will continue to work tirelessly to help the donkeys in El Saf so we’d like to say a big thank you to Safe Haven’s donors for supporting our work”
Thank you!
It’s only with your help we are able to improve the lives of working donkeys, mules and horses in Egypt, the West Bank, and Gaza, as well as care for all the animals at our sanctuary in Israel, and our rescue centre and hospital over in the West Bank.
We hope this update has helped to show you how your donations are helping donkeys in desperate need – thank you for your support!
If you’d like to support our work in Gaza, please click here.