Harness wounds cause working animals terrible distress
In many countries where we work, harness wounds are some of the most common conditions seen by SPANA veterinary teams. For working animals, these injuries are more than just painful, they can be life-threatening.
Where well-made harnesses are hard to come by, owners often have no choice but to make do with what they have, using materials like plastic, wire or rough ropes. Unfortunately, these makeshift harnesses can cause deep, infected wounds that cause terrible suffering.
In Mauritania and beyond, our teams are providing lifesaving veterinary care to treat these injuries. But more than that, we’re offering essential training to teach owners how to create safe, well-fitting harnesses that will protect their animals from future harm.
These harnesses can be made using locally available materials, and learning to make them can even generate income, supporting families and boosting the local economy while improving animal welfare.
Will you donate today to stop this suffering and give working animals the care they deserve?
Tekki’s agonising harness wounds
Over rough roads, Tekki, a four-year-old donkey, pulls a heavy cart to help his owner, Mohamed, make a living for his family. His days are spent hauling loads of building materials through the hot and bustling streets of Nouakchott, exhausting work for a young donkey.
Everything changed when Mohamed noticed Tekki struggling to walk at the end of the day, looking despondent and in pain. Concerned, Mohamed took Tekki to the SPANA mobile clinic in El Minaa.
The vets explained to Mohamed that the infection had been caused by Tekki’s ill-fitting harness. They carefully cleaned his wounds and started him on a course of antibiotics to fight the infection, which could have been deadly if left untreated.
They also showed Mohamed how to properly care for Tekki and how to fit a padded harness to keep him comfortable while working. By simply improving Tekki’s working conditions, Mohamed was able to prevent a potentially fatal infection.
If you can please donate today. Your support could provide treatment for more working animals and help prevent suffering like Tekki’s in the future.
How your support could give relief to working animals suffering from agonising wounds
Many owners don't understand the devastating effects of ill-fitting harnesses on working animals. With your help, we can change that.
Thank you
Your generous donations will be used for projects such as those featured in this appeal and where they are required the most to help animals in need. We would be so grateful for whatever you can give to this vital appeal. Thank you.
To speak to our friendly supporter care team please visit our contact us page and get in touch.