Do you own a donkey or knows somebody who does? Foot care for donkeys and other hoofed animals is vital part of the animal’s health.
In honouring the 2018 international hoof care week, a week dedicated to caring for the hoofed animals, the Lilongwe Society for the Protection and Care of Animals (LSPCA) gave free pedicures to donkeys, and offered free farrier training to donkey owners in Mpingu-Lilongwe.
Hoof care week is an annual event earmarked from 23rd-26th January, and is celebrated globally in honouring health care of hoofed animals especially the donkeys and horses. This year’s event was under the theme: sound strategies for better foot care.
The LSPCA and the Donkey Sanctuary UK are the only organisations in Malawi working to improve the welfare of donkeys. As part of LSPCA’s programme, LSPCA’s Donkey Sanctuary Project (DSP) officer, Esimy Chioza who is very passionate in improving the welfare of donkeys, reflect on the need for animal pedicures.
“Donkey hoofs left unchecked and uncared for can cause severe soreness and even lameness of donkeys. It is therefore very important that donkey hoofs are regularly and properly maintained.” Said Chioza.
Experienced hoof care professionals around Lilongwe under mentorship of LSPCA attended the international hoof-care event to teach donkey owners on how they can take care of their donkey’s hoofs as one way of improving donkey’s welfare.
With the huge need for donkey farrier treatment in Lilongwe, there is an opportunity for hoof care business for smallholder farmers.
The event also highlighted on how donkey owners can start a hoof care business by themselves: dozens upon dozens of though-provoking ideas and profit-building tips were presented to those interested in the new venture.
Basic hoof care aims at improving the health of donkey’s feet and make the cost of farrier services to go down tremendously.
Donkey owners in Chigonti-Lilongwe welcomed the 2018 hoof care week, and hails LSPCA for introducing them to the latest cutting-edge ideas to boost their donkey profitability, efficiency, and hoof care skills.