Every day, Kadi the donkey struggles up hills of rubbish, stepping over broken glass and twisted metal in sweltering forty-degree heat. Life is hard for humans and animals alike here in Bamako, Mali, where hundreds of working donkeys help their owners eke out a living collecting scrap.
Struggling under a particularly heavy load, Kadi collapsed – overcome by dehydration, hunger and exhaustion. She fell to her knees in the mud and despite her best efforts, just didn’t have the strength to stand. Try as he might, her owner just couldn’t rouse her and he was becoming desperate.
Luckily, our SPANA team was already on site, there to provide tetanus immunisation to the dump’s working donkeys. When they saw Kadi fall, they rushed to her aid.
Our vets gave Kadi fresh water and high protein feed and allowed her time to recover her strength before gently lifting her back to her feet. They vaccinated the little donkey against tetanus and explained to her owner how important it was to keep her hydrated and provide her with shade and regular rest. The vets also exchanged her owner’s painful makeshift rope harness for a soft, padded harness which wouldn’t cut into the donkey’s chest and neck.
Kadi is one of the lucky ones. Thanks to SPANA, she was rescued just in time. But for millions of working animals across the world, weighed down and weary, help doesn’t come. Your support means SPANA can provide more lifesaving treatment and more humane education to owners. With your help, we can ensure donkeys like Kadi are saved from a life of unnecessary suffering.
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