LSPCA has been working with donkeys and their owners since 2009. We started with medical treatments and soon learned we needed to do more. We saw many cases that needed attention; cruelty, neglect, exploitation, extreme emaciation, human inflicted wounds and injuries, and worm infestations. Therefore, in 2016, we started the Donkey Welfare Project together with The Donkey Sanctuary.

Since 2016, we have improved the health and welfare of over 2000 donkeys in Lilongwe and Dedza. We provide training for over 200 donkey farmers in donkey management and welfare. We have trained them in making and using packsaddles which they are using to carry water from water kiosks and wells, so now they have easy access to clean water. 

We have also trained the farmers in proper housing and harnessing, fodder making, donkey welfare assessment, Animal Laws, Animal freedoms, record keeping, and budgeting. In addition, we have trained eight farriers who provide hoof care in their respective areas and have trained ninety primary school learners in donkey welfare.

This year (2021), we are expanding our project from Lilongwe to Dowa. We aim to continue to train farmers and donkey drivers; in donkey housing, harnessing, fodder making, donkey welfare, Animal Laws, Animal freedoms, record-keeping, and budgeting. We now focus on making adjustments to the existing donkey carts replacing the use of wooden yokes, which cause terrible wounds on the neck of the donkeys. 

Recently, we discovered two donkeys in Chinsapo in a horrific state, pulling a cart. The donkeys had terrible wounds on the neck and the back. Our donkey welfare team rushed to the area and provided donkey welfare education to the donkey owner. Our mobile clinic treated the donkeys and advised the owner to stop putting the donkey to work until it heals. 

There are many other donkeys with awful living and working conditions in the Chinsapo area. We are taking a holistic approach to reduce their pain and suffering and improve their welfare. This process will involve donkey welfare education, regular meetings with donkey owners, forming donkey welfare clubs, veterinary services, improving donkey carts and harnessing, and collaborating with the chiefs to formulate local donkey welfare by-laws.