NP - Overburdened beasts

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*Overburdened beasts

*

Pragati Shahi

http://ekantipur.com/kolnews.php? & nid=192386

 

KATHMANDU, May 4 - In order to rehabilitate lame and weak donkeys working in

different brick kilns in Lalitpur district, Animal Nepal, a non-governmental

organisation, is planning to establish a Donkey Sanctuary in the district

next month.

 

Lucia De Vries, an official at Animal Nepal, said the plight of donkeys

employed in brick kilns was pathetic. They lack proper care and treatment

when injured, she said.

 

" We are planning to establish a sanctuary for the injured and weak donkeys

by next month. After the rescued donkeys are treated, these animals will be

put up for adoption, " she said.

 

Donkeys are forced to work day and night hauling and heaving the heavy loads

of bricks at brick kilns.

 

According to Lucia, donkey owners ferry the animals, in lots of five to

thirty, from Nepalgunj to capital. The donkeys are then rented to brick

kilns owners for loading bricks and other materials during the brick kiln

season in winter and dry seasons.

 

" The basic requirements such as nutritious foods, water, rest, shelter are

not provided for and the donkeys are overloaded and overworked, " Pramada

Shah, director at the Animal Nepal said.

 

Due to overload the donkeys suffer injuries. The untreated and severely ill

donkeys are left to die by the owners when brick kiln season ends early

June.

 

A December survey of Animal Nepal stated there are more than 450 donkeys

being used at different brick kilns in Lalitpur district only. Most donkeys

used by brick kiln owners were found underfed and suffering from infections,

open sores, malnutrition and dehydration.

 

The brick kiln owners are forcing a large number of blind and lame donkeys

to work beyond their capabilities, the survey stated. Ironically, after the

animals are unable to work, they are left to die unattended.

 

During the same period in December 2008, the organisation started a project

to bring together concerned citizens and professionals to conduct donkey

clinics at Lalitpur brick kilns.

 

According to an official at Animal Nepal, five donkeys rescued from the

brick kilns have already been adopted. Likewise, two more donkeys are ready

to be adopted this week.

 

" All donkeys have been adopted by foreigners till date. We hope Nepali

families will come forward to adopt these rescued animals in the near

future, " she said.

Posted on: 2009-05-03 20:46:43 (Server Time)

 

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Lucia de Vries

Freelance Journalist

Bagdol, Patan, Nepal

Wijk 4-47, 8321 GE Urk, Holland