SPANA launches appeal for India brick kiln donkeys
Working animals frequently work in temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.
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
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