In Kenya, working donkeys often face inhumane treatment and mismanagement, resulting in poor physical condition, increased vulnerability to infection, and other health issues. Donkeys need 15kg of green forage daily to maintain their body weight, but many lack adequate nourishment, leading to malnutrition. Donkey owners and youth who care for the animals have been known to beat, whip, and overwork them, causing further health problems. These harsh living conditions, including long working hours, harsh environmental conditions, overuse, improper equipment, limited veterinary attention, and insufficient supplementary feed, can cause donkeys to suffer from skin diseases, parasites, lameness, and exhaustion.
About the Project
Lifeskills Promoters (LISP) is collaborating with Brooke East Africa (BEA), a non-governmental organization that promotes animal welfare with a focus on working equines, to implement a donkey welfare program in Kenya.
The project aims to raise awareness of animal welfare and develop animal welfare skills within a supportive environment, particularly in schools in equine-owning communities in Kenya.
The project is being piloted in five primary and junior secondary schools where learners frequently interact with working donkeys. The learners are encouraged to form animal welfare clubs and take up community activities the promote the well being of donkeys. It also seeks to empower young donkey owners and users in urban areas to play an active role in promoting equine-friendly behaviors.
By increasing access to social and self-esteem support and capacity building in value-based life skills, young owners and users can develop a more positive self-image and sense of pride in their role as donkey caretakers. This enables them to sustainably rely on donkeys for income generation and personal development.
The project continues to raise awareness of donkey welfare concerns, promote the sustainable use of donkey labor, and emphasize proper care for the animals, particularly in equine-owning communities. The project helps learners appreciate the importance of animal welfare and promote equine-friendly behaviors within the school environment and neighboring communities.
