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October 4 - Happy World Animal Day!

Today we celebrate World Animal Day by organising a Walkathon called Walk 4 Animals. Hundreds of students and animal lovers will walk from Patan to Kathmandu to raise funds and awareness for animals. After the finish students will give short talks and perform a play. The Animal Welfare Network Nepal will honour the winners of the essay competition 'Ragat euta ho, dukha pani'.

In Nepal animal welfare campaigners on World Animal Day focus on the need for an animal welfare act and improved conditions for all animals, including pets, wildlife and working animals.

Says Pramada Shah, Volunteer Director of Animal Nepal: “Nepal faces many challenges when it comes to animal welfare. Pet owners lack awareness on how to look after their animals. Working animals have no rights – they are made to work till they drop. We lack basic facilities for transport and slaughter for food animals, and have no regulations for research. That is why on World Animal Day we want to launch a movement for animals led by students."

September 28 - World Rabies Day celebrated with free vaccination camp

Animal Nepal today celebrated World Rabies Day by organizing a vaccination camp at Patan Durbar Square. Today it was reported that a suspected rabid dog has bitten ten people and 18 cows in Ranipawa, Nuwakot District.

The incident shows that rabies is still a much feared disease in Nepal and that the need for a long term solution is urgent. A large group of Ranipawa residents met with programme manager Ram Chandra Khatiwada of the Department of Livestock Services today to request support. Animal Nepal will be sending a fact finding team to Ranipawa tomorrow. The team will use a dart gun to try to capture the dog.   

Animal Nepal with the help of the Alliance for Rabies Control this week will vaccinate 100 pet and community dogs as part of a comprehensive programme to eradicate rabies in Lalitpur district.

September 14 - First chemotherapy treatment for CTVT dog

CTVT or cancer of the genetalia is a very common disease in female dogs in Nepal. Untill recently we euthanised dogs with advaced stages of CTVT. As this was affecting us deeply we searched for alternatives. Today we provided the first chemotherapy treatment to Puppy, a community dog suffering from cancer both in the right eye and the vagina. Puppy will have to be treated weekly for six weeks to know if the treatment has been fully successful. Today we were happy to notice that Puppy did not seem to suffer from any side effects.

September 7 - Overworked working horse with foal in donkey heaven

Our team today rescued a blind working horse with her foal. Both were skin and bones.The adult horse was found to be in a pathetic state at Tri Shakti Brick kiln in Harisiddhi, Lalitpur, in March. However, its owner refused to hand her over, as she was pregnant. When Animal Nepal recently found that the foal was getting malnourished, the owner was pressurised to give up both mum and foal. The horses were provided with fresh drinking water and nutritious food after their arrival at the Donkey Sanctuary. They will be kept in quarantine for at least two weeks. We have named the new residents Shakti and Mukti. We wish them a happy time with us!

September 1 - British School students come to the rescue

"Argh, they are soooo cute!" That was what students of grade 7 said when two rescued donkeys came to visit them at the school compound. The students will be collecting money for the Godavari Donkey Sanctuary through a sponsored game. After Animal Nepal gave an introduction about the lives of equines working in brick kilns, grade 7 spoiled the two visiting donkeys, Lucia and Clover, with carrots and fresh grass. The students also gave some good advice on how to stop the abuse of working equines. "It's better if humans do the job because they can speak up," they concluded.

August 30 - One eye Romeo rescued

Mating season is here and dog fights are abundant. Animal Nepal rescued a big black male dog from Binayak Temple in Chobar whose one eye had been torn out during a fight over a handsome female. Binayak, as we call him, at first was apprehensive when he was removed from his temple territory. However, thanks to the good care by vet Surendra and the shelter staff, he now feels at ease. Unfortunately his eye cannot be saved. We trust he will take a little more care when courting the girls of Binayak Temple!

August 26 - Anti-sacrifice campaigns books successs

Animal welfare campaigners today were relieved to find that an annual ritual in Khokana was celebrated in a less cruel manner. In Khokana for decades each year a live baby goat use to be thrown into a pond after which it was torn apart by young men using their teeth. After a prolonged campaign the community today decided to drown the goat first and not bite it.

In the month before the festival Animal Nepal for weeks conducted an Animal Birth Control/Anti Rabies programme in the village. A dog treatment camp was organized to build further trust in the community.

Comedian duo Madan Krishna and Hari Bamsha today requested communities such as Khokana to stop cruel blood sacrifices. “It is ignorance that leads to cruel killings. Therefore let’s stop blood sacrifices and restore our dignity,” the comedians said.

August 23 - Mobile treatment camp reaches Khokana

In the past month Animal Nepal organised three mobile treatment and vaccination camps for stray and pet dogs. Today our team reached Khokana, where Animal Nepal wants to gain the trust of the community and convince the people to abolish cruel rituals. It seemed the whole of Khokana had showed up. No less than 48 dog were vaccinated and treated. Among them a very weak male white dog who suffered from dehydration and parasite infestation. The dog received saline and deworming and its hair was cut. A feew hundred community members were educated about humane and effective stray dog management.

August 5 - Animal Nepal reaches out to injured stray cows

Stray cows have a tough life in Kathmandu Valley. Though considered holy and protected, their fate is often a sad one, suffering from road accidents, hunger and thirst. Virtually no medical care is available. Animal Nepal in the past months has treated three injured cows. First case was in Kopan, where Bibek and Preeti Shah found a cow suffering from a broken horn and a large infection. When AN vets Sudeep, Surendra and Parisha arrived on June 12, the wounds, which were bleeding, were caused by maggots, which drove the cow to hit its face against trees and fences. After capturing the poor creature some 400 maggots were pulled out. According to the local community the cow is fine now. In August we treated bull in Sanepa whose leg was broken. The vets concluded that the leg had healed by itself and that the limp 

did not seem to hurt the bull. A few days later an owned cow suffering from open sores in Balkhu. Its owner already sought help but was unable to provide follow up treatment. She was taught how to clean the wounds twice a day.

July 7 - 14 journalists join Nepalgunj press meet

14 journalists based in Nepalgunj joined AN's press conference on the conditions of working equines in Banke District. Animal Nepal presented its campaign report 'Beasts of Burden - Equine Abuse in Nepalgunj'. The report calls for immediate action by authorities, media and civil society to end the 'crying shame of Nepalgunj'. According the AN Nepalgunj has become the home to a large percentage of Asia's pathetic and emaciated working animals. The journalists actively involved in a debate about the problems of solutions. AN believes public awareness is an important first step to reduce the terrible abuse. An wants to thank Surendra Karki for organising the press meet. The press release can be read under the link "Press Releases'.

July 5 - AN launches Nepalgunj Outreach Programme

Today Animal Nepal officially launched its Nepalgunj Outreach Programme by organising the first in a series of interactions with local stakeholders. Managing vet Dr Sudeep Koirala and Programme Manager Krishna Singh will spend two weeks in Banke to train local staff and introduce the programme among local authorities and media. The programme, supported by Donkey Sanctuary UK, aims to improve the health conditions of working equines in Banke District during off-season. Specific objectives are to stop illegal import of unsuitable equines into Nepal, to improve health conditions of working equines with help of authorities, to improve economic conditions of owners and children, to increase awareness on working equine problems in the local community and to create exposure of the issue in the media. For more information read our campaign report 'Beasts of Burden' on the link 'Reports & Docs'.

June 30 - Animal Nepal presents Annual Report 2009

Animal Nepal today presented its Annual Report 2009. 2009 will be remembered by us as the year in which we really got going. By launching two integrated outreach programmes and building two rehabilitation/retirement centers for equines and companion animals 2009 became the year in which we managed to make a visible difference in the overwhelming suffering of the suffering animals of Nepal.  In 2009, for many animals our work meant the difference between a life of constant suffering and a humane life; for quite a few our intervention meant life instead of death.

We owe our donors and countless sponsors who stood by us in 2009. Read the Annual Report on the link 'Reports & Docs' or ask us for a copy.

June 15 - Rescued dancing bear safe in Sanctuary

Dancing bear Rubina, rescued by Roots and Shoots Nepal in coordination with Chitwan National Park authorities, has safely arrived at the Agra Bear Sanctuary run by Wildlife SOS. Animal Nepal with the help of Indian activist Maneka Gandhi successfully campaigned for the repatriation of Rubina.Rubina after her rescue was kept by the warden of Chitwan National Park. AN realised that rescued bears like her need specialized care which Nepal at present cannot offer.

Mahesh Sharma and Lucia de Vries published a plea in The Kathmandu Post to save Rubina's life by sending her to a special sanctuary in India. A press release (See Press Releases) led to more coverage in the national media. After a life marked by abuse and torture, Rubina will be able to retire with grace.

 

June 11 - Puppy Preeti adopted

Today puppy Preeti, who was rescued from Lazimpath area, was adopted by Ramesh Nagarkoti from Bhaktapur. His family recently lost their pet dog and were very happy to find a healthy puppy at the Chobar Animal Sanctuary. We wish Preeeti, Ramesh and his family much happiness!

June 5 - Mobile camp at Baisepathi

Today our vets conducted a mobile camp for stray and community dogs at Baisepathi. This satellite town, despite well organised in many areas, suffers from many stray dog problems. The vets treated 25 dogs which suffered from parasite infestation, skin problems, malnutrition, open sores and/or ingrown toe nails. Alongside the camp, the community was informed about the importance of pet care and humane dog management. Our new brochure on ABC/AR works well, convincing countless people of a better approach to dog problems. We also captured one batch of Baisepathi female dogs for spaying and vaccination at the Chobar Animal Sanctuary.

May 21 - Dutch school visits donkey sanctuary

Today students from the Dutch School, based in Jhamsikhel, Patan, visited the Godavari Donkey Sanctuary. The children brushed the fifteen retired donkeys and fed them green vegetables. They also asked many questions about the abuse of working equines and how the donkeys came to the sanctuary. The students handed over Rs 4500 to managing vet Dr Sudeep Koirala to improve the facilities.

April 30 - Donkeys raise awareness on Queen's Day

Rescued donkeys Lucia and Clover went orange on Dutch Queen's birthday to raise awareness about the plight of working equines in Nepal. Visitors of the fair at the Summit Hotel provided them with healthy treats: fresh organic vegetables, sold at the fair. The donkeys were abandoned after becoming sick and handicapped. Lucia and Clover are adopted by the manager of Summit Trekking where they enjoy their well deserved retirement in luxury. During the fair AN staff provided the visitors with information and sold T-shirts, cards and memberships.

April 30 - Animal Nepal directors give lecture

Animal Nepal directors today gave a lecture at the Shankar Hotel, organised by the Cultural Studies Group of Nepal.  The presentation was advertised with the title 'Blood "Bricks - Environment, People and Animals". With the help of a powerpoint presentation and short documentaries Shah and De Vries explained the appalling conditions of people and animals in Nepal's brick kilns, and its impact on the environment. They explained Animal Nepal's role inimproving conditions of working equines and focused on possible solutions. CSGN members donated generously towards Animal Nepal's Emergency Fund. Rs 12,000 was collected.

April 24 - Puppy Adoption Camp organised at Saleways

Animal Nepal today organised a puppy adoption promotion camp at Saleways supermarket in Patan. Close to the supermarket stray dog has given birth to eight puppies. They live by the side of a busy road and are vulnerable to road accidents. AN has vaccinated and dewormed the gorgeous puppies and aims to get at least half of them adopted. Volunteers Margaret and Lawrence, Martin and Miriam and AN's Krishna, Pramada and Lucia tried to convince supermarket visitors to adopt. Brochures on puppy care and general pet care were used to create awareness. Unfortunately no one wanted a mixed breed puppy. However, the campaign continues through the internet (see www.adoptanepalidog.info in a new window). Already one puppy has found a loving home!

April 19 - Animal Nepal rescues three more working equines

AN in the past week has rescued two mules and a donkey who were abandoned when they were no longer able to work in one of the brick kilns of Kathmandu Valley. The Donkey Sanctuary now has 15 residents. 16-year old mule Tika was rescued from a village called Tika Bhairab. Her front leg is dislocated, leaving her permanently handicapped. She is also blind in one eye and had a skin problem. 13-year old mule Bobby came all the way from Kavre district where he was abandoned along the highway when he became blind and started suffereing from saddle wounds and respiratory problems. Because he was unable to find food and water Bobby became severely malnourished and dehydrated. 15-year old donkey Manu was rescued from Manakamana brick kiln. She was in a very serious condition when she arrived. Manu had just given birth to a dead foal, was partly blind and suffered from very severe malnourishment and dehydration. Initially she reacted well to the intensive treatment, but sadly she died in our care a few days later.

April 17 - Stray dog health camp at Chobar

AN today organised a health camp for the stray dogs of Chobar. The village management committee of this village close to our Chobar Animal Sanctuary organises annual rabies vaccination camps and asked AN to treat dogs suffering from skin problems. Vets Parisha, Surendra and Sudeep treated over 15 dogs and provided pet care information to the local community. Among the patients was a young dog suffering from a hernia. He will undergo surgery at our shelter. AN in January launched the "Chobar Rabies Free Campaign". By spaying and vacinating female dogs and treated sick dogs, AN will help Chobar to become rabies free by the end of this year.

April 13 - Dog # 100 spayed and vaccinated

On December 28, 2009, vets Surendra and Sudeep spayed and vaccinated the first batch of stray dogs. Today we celebrated the spaying and we vaccination of 'dog # 100' which marks the end of our pilot programme "Patan Rescue".  Dog # 100 was Putali, a lovely black dog from Taudaha village. Putali was carried to the Operation Theatre by caretaker Mohan Maharjan and shaved, ear notched and vaccinated by dr Parisha Thapa. Vets Surendra Basyal and Sudeep Koirala carried out the surgery. Afterwards the shelter staff celebrated the achievement with a decorated cake saying "100 dog spaying". Animal Nepal now launches a 2-year "Kathmandu Rescue" programme in which over 2000 

dogs will be spayed, treated and or vaccinated. Congrats to our staff and the 100 dogs who are all set to lead happy, healthy lives

April 10 - Volunteer Day at Chobar Animal Sanctuary

 

The dogs at Chobar today had a wonderful time when volunteers arrived to further improved their living conditions. During AN's Volunteer Day children from Ama Ghar children's home brought colourful signs for the kennels, painted by Shrijana Gurung. Other young volunteers worked incredibly hard to remove rocks from the play areas for injured dogs. Aicha, Krishna and Surendra made a resting place for dogs while Martin, Miriam, Lies and Devi strengthened the bamboo gate. Isabelle, Joyce and Kareff painted the new kennels for injured dogs. On behalf of the Chobar residents: THANK YOU SO MUCH!

March 4 - Saving Clover

Today AN rescued Clover, a very sick donkey from Bolbum brick kiln. Clover recently gave birth to a dead foal. After this the condition of the partly blind donkey deteriorated to the point where she was close to death. Clover is one of the 500 equines working in brick kilns in Lalitpur district. The animals are beaten, overloaded, underfed and hardly receive medical care. When Kit Spencer, manager at Summit Trekking, saw the donkey, he immediately decided to adopt her. The AN team negotiated with the brick kiln and donkey owners. Clover was brought to her new home in the back of AN's ambulance. After she arrived at the premises Clover collapsed from exhaustion. AN vets Sudeep, Parisha and Surendra immediately provieded the donkey with emergency treatment. Clover will have to receive intensive treatment for at least a month. We wish Clover and her adoptive parents Kit and Moyra all the best!

February 21 - Workshop for municipalities

Today Animal Nepal together with Lalitpur Sub-Metropolitan City (LSMC) organised a 1-day workshop called 'Solving Stray Dog Problems Humanely and Effectively'. Animal Nepal since 2004 has been lobbying with Lalitpur and Kirtipur Municipalities to implement an effective stray dog management programme for the southern part of Kathmandu Valley in cooperation with NGOs such as Animal Nepal. During the workshop stakeholders including representatives of the local government, political parties and Department of Livestock identified problems and discussed solutions. Sadly it was found that LSMC still poisoned agressive dog. Animal Nepal introduced the concept Animal Birth Control/Anti Rabies (ABC/AR) as well as other effective solutions. To proof that ABC/AR works we spayed and vaccinated the female dogs inside the compound of LSMC and treated a number of dogs with skin problems. LSMC has agreed to stop its poisoning programme. In June LSMC announced it has set aside Rs 100,000 as seed money for an effective, joint stray dog management programme.

January 20 - Chobar Rabies Free 2010 Campaign Launched

Animal Nepal together with the Adhinath Forest Committee launched a campaign to create a rabies free Chobar in 2010. Chobar, where our rehabilitation center is located, faces many stray dog problems. An unknown number of locals get bitten by agressive dogs and twice a year female dogs produce large litters whose changes of survival are minimal. The forest committee together with volunteer Rajendra Bista since many years provide rabies vaccinations to local dogs. AN will support them by educating the community and spaying female dogs to create a healthy and happy dog population by the end of 2010.

January 18 - Nepal at Asia for Animals

The Asia for Animals conference is held every two years to inspire and bring together Asia's professionals. This year Animal Nepal was represented by Manoj Gautam, Pramada Shah and Lucia de Vries. The volunteer directors gave a presentation about Campaigning for Change, based on the successful campaign against the export of rhesus monkeys to US labs. The team also organised a seminar of animal sacrifices, which saw the launch of a documentary on Gadhimai festival produced by UK filmmaker Tassia Kobylinska. During the seminar an international coalition was formed which brings campaigners from across Asia and the rest of the world together.

January 18 - New website on animal sacrifices: www.stopanimalsacrifice.org

Today a new website was released by the Animal Welfare Network Nepal that contains info and media in regards to the movement to phase out animal cruelty in the name of religion and culture in Nepal. The 5-year campaign was launched after Gadhimai festival saw the cruel killings of over 200,000 animals. The site features a forum where supporters can share their personal stories. It further explains how you can help stop these inhumane practices, as a Nepalese citizen, as a visitor, or as a concerned citizen on the other side of the world. This new site is in its infancy, so any suggestions for improvement can be sent to info@stopanimalsacrifices.org.  Check it out and let us know!

January 10 - Remembering Jessie....

Animal Nepal this week received a wonderful donation in the name of Jessie, the much loved pet dog of Sushma Thakuri which passed away earlier this year. Sushma decided to offer Animal Nepal much needed goods in the memory of Jessie. Among the goods were a bag of rice, biscuits and different kinds of brushes. The donation has been well received by the dogs at our shelter. May you rest in peace, Jessie! 

January 12 - First puppy arrives at shelter

Although the Chobar Animal Sanctuary does not accept healthy puppies, it has a single kennel for injured and sick puppies. Today the first such puppy arrived and was pampered with a cosy basket, a hot water bottle and lots of blankets. Namuna is a 2 month old puppy suffering from mange and parasites. Her mother too suffers from an advanced stage of mange and is being treated on the street. We wish Namuna a speedy recovery! 

January 8 - Donkey clinic treats 40+ donkeys

Today the vets of Animal Nepal together with 20 aspiring vets studying at HICAST conducted a health camp among over 40 working donkeys stationed at Bolbum brick kiln.

The participants treated various problems including saddle wounds, weakness due to malnutrition, digestive problems, colic and pneumonia. The team dewormed all donkeys and provided mineral supplements to the weak ones. The students were shocked by the conditions in brick kilns and vowed to help donkeys in Bhaktapur district, where HICAST is based.

AN's vets will complete a survey of all brick kilns later this week. Dr Sudeep and Surendra have already treated a dozen very sick donkeys suffering from pneumonia, colic, leg injuries or birthing problems.

January 8 - HICAST and AN sign MOU

Today HICAST and Animal Nepal signed a Memorandum of Understanding, vowing to cooperate in different fields to reduce animal suffering in Nepal. The MOU was signed by Dr Binayak Rajbhandari on behalf of HICAST and Lucia de Vries on behalf of AN.

HICAST and AN have cooperated in health camps for working donkeys in the past. They now like to expand the joint services to stray dogs, research, imparting animal welfare into the curriculum and organising exposure visits. HICAST interns will be based at AN's stray dog and working donkey programmes later this year.

December 28 - AN launches ABC/AR programme

Animal Nepal on Monday December 28 officially started its Animal Birth Control/Anti Rabies Programme for the southern part of Kathmandu Valley. In the first session five dogs were vaccinated and spayed or neutered: Tommy, Luna, Kitchuri, Dhobi (females) and Jimmy (male). 

The vets showed that thanks to exposure at the Kathmandu Animal Treatment Centre they were able to conduct the surgeries in a professional manner. The staff of the Chobar Animal Sanctuary made sure the dogs were well prepared, kept warm during post-operative care and well looked after when the dogs returned to their kennels. 

Sadly it was discovered that Dhobi suffered from CTVT and could not be saved.

The launch of the ABC/AR programme was delayed due to problems with water and electricity supply. We like to thank our donors for their patience!

December 19 - AN vets treat 35 dogs

Animal Nepal in the period November 1- December 20 treated a total of 35 stray dogs. 25 dogs could be trea

ted on the street or received surgery at Mobile Vet Clinic. 10 dogs were in a very serious condition and had to be admitted at the Chobar Animal Sanctuary.

One dog, Luna, made her debute at the gate of volunteer Director Lucia de Vries. ‘Suffering from the worst form of scabies, her hairless skin had become crusted and resembled the face of the moon,’ says De vries, who named the visitor Luna. Luna was treated with deworm and ivermectin and received nutritious food with vitamins. Today, 1,5 month later, she looks almost like a normal dog.

Animal Nepal is grateful having an Animal Ambulance which enables us to help more injured and sick stray dogs in the southern part of Kathmandu Valley. Among the dogs are 3 females who were spayed and vaccinated as part of our recently launched ABC/AR programme.

December 15 - Signboards Show Way to Office and Sanctuary

Today Animal Nepal staff put up signboards at the Donkey Sanctuary and our new office in Ekantakuna. The signboards were designed by Jiggy Gaton, Animal's Nepal's Communication Director. Dr Surendra Basyal dug many holes to secure the signboards. People driving towards Godavari won't miss the large signboard pointing towards the Donkey Sanctuary.

December 12 - Christmas Bazaar Raises Rs 14,000

A stall at the annual Summit Christmas bazaar raised Rs 14,000 for the treatment of injured and sick dogs and donkeys. Volunteers Josephine and Aicha manned the stall together with Animal Nepal staff.

A new feature at this year’s stall was the ‘Pin the tail of the donkey’ game. The organizers sold special Christmas cards that pay for a week’s food and treatment of a donkey at the Sanctuary or the spaying and vaccination of one stray dog.

But the biggest attraction was Lucia, a blind working donkey that was rescued from a miserable life in a brick kiln and now lives at the premises of 3-star Summit Hotel. Lucia was cuddled by numerous children, who vowed to help donkeys such as Lucia.

November 26 - Animal Rights Campaigners Deeply Disturbed by Gadhimai Killings

Birgunj/Kathmandu – Animal campaigners are ‘deeply upset and traumatized’ by the mass sacrifices that took place at Gadhimai temple on Tuesday and Wednesday. ‘The organizers have violated every single code of animal welfare. Despite worldwide protests they have not introduced a single measure to alleviate the tremendous suffering of the thousands of animals involved’, say campaigners, including Animal Nepal's Pramada Shah, Lucia de Vries and Manoj Gautam, in a witness report.

A team of campaigners from the Animal Welfare Network Nepal and Anti-Animal Sacrifice Alliance returned to the capital last night. According to the team the public beheading of some 16.000 water buffaloes ranks ‘among the worst examples of animal cruelty in the world’.

Manoj Gautam: ‘The animals were not provided with any water and food in the days before the sacrifice. Many young animals had in fact already died from stress, exhaustion and dehydration before the killings started. Their bodies were left among the live animals.’

The organizers failed to issue rules for the general sacrifices that were carried out randomly in a radius of 3 kilometer of the temple. ‘Everyone could kill anything, with whatever knife or sword. Many animals died an unbearable slow and violent death because the knives were not sharpened properly and the butchers were inexperienced.’

For more information go to Gadimai blogspot. Disturbing images can downloaded at the Media Center of this website.

November 13 - Nepal's 'Laurel-Hardy' Join Protests Against Gadhimai Animal Massacre

Today join the community in a candlelight vigil to protest the mass slayings of half a million animals during the Gadhimai Festival on November 24 and 25. This mass sacrifice takes place at the Gadhimai Temple, now dubbed the "Temple of Doom". The government of Nepal refuses to step in and stop the practice on grounds that the religious ceremony is "too sensitive an issue." 

Event Venue: Patan Durbar Square

Date and Time: Friday, Nov. 13, 4-6 pm

Chief guests: MaHa (Madan Krishna & Hari Bansha)

Admission Free, Call 9841-334537 for more information

November 3 - School children collect money for donkeys

Grade 7 of the British School in Patan is all set to collect donations for sick and injured donkeys that have found a new home at the Godavari Donkey Sanctuary. Today they met with two Lucia's, one being a blind, rescued donkey now staying with teacher Moyra Spencer, and the other being Animal Nepal director Lucia de Vries.

The students were very much interested in the powerpoint presentation about the problems of working donkeys and came up with great solututions to their problems. 'We need vets to visit them regularly,' 'We need a law to punish bad owners,' and: 'The donkeys need to be given good food and sufficient rest.' But the highlight of the day was meeting donkey Lucia and feeding her carrots. 'Oh, she is sooooo sweeet!,' concluded the children, who readily posed with the delighted visitor.

November 2 - Animal Nepal presents Animal Ambulance

Animal Nepal is delighted to present its Marutu Gypsy Animal Ambulance. We hope it will drive many dogs and other animals towards a better future.

The gypsy was purchased with the help of 30 Million d'Amis and Martin Schoenmakers and Miriam Lindwer. The ambulance will be used to transport sick and injured companion animals and smaller size sick and injured donkeys to our shelters. It will also carry female dogs which will be vaccinated and spayed under our ABC/AR programme. Many thanks to Jiggy Gaton for design and to Aicha for teaching our staff to drive!

October 24 - Hotel manager cuts hair to save donkeys

Kit Spencer, managing director of Summit Hotel and owner of a rescued blind working donkey called Lucia, no longer sports a beard not a mane of hair. Today he had it cut to raise funds for rescued donkeys housed in our Godavari Donkey Sanctuary. The deed paid off: Spencer has already raised Rs 64,000 to further improve the conditions at the sanctuary.

Friends of supported gathered at the Summit Hotel to observe the ceremony. Spencer admitted he found the thought of being bald 'traumatic'. 'I have not cut my hair and beard since I joined the army,' he explained. His wife Moyra supported the action, and so did the family's two dogs. But the most supportive factor was adopted donkey Lucia, who throughout the ceremony feasted on the hotel's flowers and trees.

October 18 - Network launches campaign against world's largest animal sacrifice

Today the Animal Welfare Network Nepal launched a campaign against Gadhimai Festival, the world's largest animal sacrifice, which will take place on November 24 and 25.

Can you picture 7,000 young buffaloes being rounded up and killed by a thousand drunk men carrying large knives? A festival where 200,000 animals are killed to please a goddess?This is exactly what -if nothing is done- will happen in November 2009 in Nepal. The Gadimai Festival in Bariyarpur, Bara District, is held each 5 years. The mass sacrifice turns the entire area into a marshy land of blood.

Animal Welfare Network Nepal wants to end this bloody, cruel practice.

For more information about the festival go to Campaigns at this website or th Gadimai Blogspot.

A number of religious groups in Nepal are opposing the mass sacrifice. Palden Dorje or Buddha boy, a young religious leader, plans to bless the devotees ahead of the event with the aim to stop their involvement in animal sacrifice.

October 17 - Report: 65% of Kathmandu dogs chained for life

The Animal Welfare Network Nepal today released ‘Dogs in Kathmandu Valley– Man’s best friend betrayed’.The report shows that people’s awareness regarding dog care remains low and that Kathmandu’s pet and stray dogs continue to live a life of neglect and abuse.  A shocking 64% of pets are kept on a chain, of whom 36% on a very short one.
 

The report was launched on the occasion of Kukur Tihar or Dog Worshipping Day. According to the network the report findings call for immediate intervention by government authorities, civil society and the public at large.

‘Today we ask everyone to take a vow to treat dogs humanely, not just on Kukur Tihar, but 365 days a year,’ said Animal Nepal Director Pramada Shah. ‘The government must take immediate action to address the problems of pet and stray dogs. However, we as citizens should not wait – all of us in our own way can do something to alleviate the suffering of man’s best friend. Dogs look up to us; we should not let them down.’ 

The survey shows that dog owners tend to treat their pets as objects that they OWN rather than living creatures with a right to some freedom and a good life. Stray dogs are considered a problem and are at best ignored. They hardly ever receive professional medical care.

Pets die at a young age, possibly due to general neglect and a lack of awareness oncanine health. Only 17% receive some kind of family planning. This is a great cause for concern as offspring tend to be abandoned on the street, further increasing the stray dog population. Read the full report by clicking on 'Reports and Docs' on this website.

October 17 - Kukur Tihar celebrated with opening of Chobar Animal Sanctuary

Today a long standing dream came true when we celebrated Kukur Tihar (Dog Puja) by opening the Chobar Animal Sanctuary. In the presence of children from Ama Ghar children's home (who supported the construction of one kennel) rescued dogs were worshipped with flowers, incense, food and garland.

As the office building (with operation theatre) is not completed yet the opening marked only the start of Animal Nepal's rehabilitation programme for sick and injured dogs. Already four dogs are being treated at the center. During the informal ceremony Pramada Shah introduced the work of Animal Nepal and launched the research report: 'Dogs in Kathmandu valley - Man's best friend betrayed'. Lucia de Vries thanked the donors and supporters as well as designers, engineers and builders.

Do watch this lovely documentary produced by filmmaker Tassia Kobylinska by visiting 'Media Center' on this website.

October 13 - Donkeys go home

Twelve rescued working donkeys today moved from different parts of the city to their new home, the Godavari Donkey Sanctuary. After arriving they sniffed the place out, drank some water and banqueted on the lush bamboo plants. The move was filmed by Kantipur Television.

It was a dream come true. for us and the donkeys.Since a month ten rescued donkeys, including blind Naina, were kept at a temporary shelter in our Chobar Animal Sanctuary. The conditions here were not ideal as construction was going on and the night shelter was cramped. Today the donkeys, together with Kutchuri (a partly blind donkey) and Kabita who were kindly taken care of by Windhorse Stables until the sanctuary was completed, all met in Chobar, before being transported to Godavari.

Blind donkey Naina enjoyed her stay at Chobar so much, she did not want to leave. However, after checking out her new home, she got excited and did not stop grazing untill she was forced to enter the night shelter at 5 pm.

October 10 - Painting for a cause

Only a week left till Kukur Tihar.....Today a group of volunteers painted the 12 kennels at the Chobar Animal Sanctuary. To match the office/operation theater building (which is constructed with renewable materials) we chose the colours Nepali red and yellow. We trust the dogs will enjoy their spacious colourful rooms! Thank you volunteers Shristi, Mohan, Surendra, Sudip, Aicha, Josephine, and Chobar kids!

Next Saturday is Kukur Tihar. Although the sanctuary is not fully completed we organise a soft opening and a dog puja. Our ABC programme is scheduled to start on November 1.

September 18 - Donkey Sanctuary shelter handed over

Today the first shelter at the Donkey Sanctuary at Godavari was completed and handed over by the builder. The shelter is one of two planned large stables that house around ten donkeys. 'It is such a happy moment for us and the donkeys,' said Volunteer Directors Pramada Shah and Lucia de Vries.

The shelter consists of a stable, an operation room cum office and store room. It is leopard-proof and provides maximum comfort for both sick and healthy donkeys. The 3-ropani land also caters for a grazing area, and a plot for growing staple food. Ten rescued donkeys will shift to their new home after Dasain holidays, in the first week of October.

September 16 - Friends of Animal Nepal launched

'We have kept quiet for a long time, but now we will break the silence.' That was the pledge of some twenty individuals who will be the founder members of Friends of Animal Nepal. The friends' group will support the work of AN, volunteer at the sanctuaries, and raise funds.

Volunteer Directors Pramada Shah and Lucia de Vries gave an introduction to the organisation and their own views on animal rights and welfare. 'It is not an easy job, but very rewarding. The ban on the breeding and export of monkeys to US labs has been an enormous encouragement to us. The campaign proves that with dedication we can make a real difference in the lives of people and animals alilke', the duo said, adding that legislation and awareness raising are the most essential steps. The invitees came up with many suggestions for volunteering and fundraising. The first step will be a benefit concert and visits to international schools.

September 15 - Plant a Tree to Shelter an Animal

'I want to plant my tree here!' The 25 children from Saathi's shelter today turned the Plant a Tree to Shelter an Animal event into a loud and fun happening. The kids planted fragrant trees along the Bagmati river, the lowest part of our Chobar Animal Shelter land, and flowering trees in the vicinity of the kennels and shelters.

The kids were having a great time hugging the donkeys at their temporary shelter in Chobar, and making sure their tree was planted and watered properly. They marked the samplings with circles of stones. The kids brought life to the spreading sanctuary, which until now only saw injured animals, builders and caretakers. Said board member Shobha Rayamajhi: 'These kids are amazing. We should bring them to the sanctuary on a regular basis. They will make our job easy, and will have so much fun in taking care of the animals.' A total of 120 trees were planted.

September 11 - Animal Nepal exposes grave donkey abuse

In a grave case of animal abuse, an estimated 55 working donkeys died due to mismanagement in Khopasi, Kavre district. Of a herd of 54 working donkeys that were left behind by their owner, and ten foals that were born to the pregnant mothers, only nine are still alive. Animal Nepal rescued the surviving donkeys today.

Animal Nepal unearthed the mass grave in Khopasi earlier this week. The team, consisting of Dr Sudeep Koirala and Surendra Basyal, found nine donkeys huddled together in a small makeshift bamboo shelter, covered with a simple plastic sheet.

The deaths are caused by multiple causes resulting mostly from infected wounds and allergic pruritis as well as malnutrition and unsuitable climate and shelter.

Says Pramada Shah, Volunteer Director at Animal Nepal: ‘The death of some 55 donkeys at Khopasi stands as an example of the irresponsible attitude of equine owners in our country. The animals have died a slow and painful death. The suffering of these donkeys and countless others goes unreported and no one seems to care.’

Animal Nepal plans to file a case against donkey owner Rajesh Kashgar who left the caretaker with only NRs 5000, expecting him to feed and treat the donkey for 6 months. The organisation also calls for the passing of an Animal Welfare Act to make animal abuse punishable by law.

Watch a photo album of the rescuers in action on this website.

August 30 - Dutch auction raises 500 euro

An auction organised in Zwolle, Holland, raised 500 euro for Animal Nepal's projects. At the birthday party of Volunteer Director Lucia de Vries and her sister Judith around thirty people brought one or more items to be auctioned. When the auction got started some serious competition arose among the bidders. Boxes of firewood raised a record 30 euros.

The auction was coordinated by Eric Schloesser who managed to raise interest for each item, from a handwoven jacket from India to a Mexican flute made from clay. "I think it was a very successful fundraising event. It was a lot of fun. No matter how obscure the items seemed to be there was always someone who wanted to have it. People left with a sense of satisfaction", says Judith, who plans to reintroduce the Benefit Birthday concept next year.

August 29 - Animal Nepal welcomes Minister's decision

Animal Nepal welcomes the decision of Forest Minister Dipak Bohara to put a definite halt to the breeding of monkeys for biomedical research in the USA. Bohara calls for the release of all captive monkeys. "Hats off to Bohara. He shows what is possible when a Minister takes up his responsibility", says board member Manoj Gautam, who together with his colleagues ran a campaign since 2004.

In January a group of concerned citizens filed a Public Litigation Interest case at the Supreme Court. In February a parliament committee ordered the Ministry to stop the process of export of rhesus monkeys for biomedical research.

"The government is responsible for taking the monkeys out of their cages and rehabilitate them in a professional manner," says spokesperson Manoj Gautam. “Those born in the center need to be taught how to survive in the wild. Those caught from the wild need to be released gradually as they have spend many years in captivity.”
The government in the past captured monkeys from the wild and sold them to the Lele-based National Biomedical Research Center. Around 20% of Nepal’s lab monkeys are euthanized or die a natural death.

August 26 - 'Beasts of Burden' report marks start of rights campaign

Animal Nepal today released 'Beasts of Burden', a campaign report based on shocking findings of abuse in Nepal's equine bazaar, Nepalgunj. We call for immediate action by national and local authorities, exposure by the media and involvement of civil society. The report can be read on this website.

In June 2009 Animal Nepal's staff Sudeep Koirala and Krishna Singh conducted a 10-day monitoring visit to the Nepal-India border area. They were shocked to find hundreds of abandoned working donkeys living as scavengers on the streets of Nepalgunj. Many of them are on the verge of death.

Animal Nepal wants the authorities, media and civil society to wake up. The campaign report marks the start of a long term rights campaign. In the coming months AN plans to organise press conferences and interactions in the capital. Next year it will pressurise the Nepalgunj municipallity and civil society to build shelters for the donkeys and arrange medical care.

August 16 - Blind donkey Naina rescued

Animal Nepal with the help of Allison Marston and Emily Kate today rescued a blind donkey abandoned at Nag Dunga, Kathmandu. The donkey was named Naina.

Many brick donkeys suffer from eye infections due to dust particles. When left untreated some go blind. Naina lost most of her eye vision and was abandoned after her owner returned to Nepalgunj in May. The unfortunate donkey wandered aimlessly on the busy streets of Kathmandu until she was spotted by expats Allison and Kate.

Naina now leads a safe and happy life at our temporary shelter in Chobar. She is treated for malnutrition and plastic waste in the stomach. Her vision will not return. Naina will be allowed to retire at our upcoming Donkey Sanctuary at Godavari.

July 28 - Kennels at ABC/AR centre almost completed

The ten kennels at our Chobar ABC/AR centre are almost completed. Build by Dinesh Shrestha, the kennels are constructed according to WHO standards. They will be used to house female stray dogs they will be vaccinated and spayed at our centre. 

The kennels are funded by individuals who name it after a loved one, be in human or animal. Two sponsor couples come from Holland (Judith & Eric and Miriam & Martin) while others (Ann & Brett) come from the UK. The children of Ama Ghar in Godavari are funding a kennel while two kennels are funded by Brigittte Bardot Foundation (France).

The construction of the operation theater will commence in August. 

July 15 - Seti rescued from Koteshwor

Seti, a white severely malnourished donkey, was rescued from one of Kathmandu's busiest intersections, Koteshwor, on July 15, 2009. Seti until recently was yet another nameless scavenger donkey, abandoned by a careless owner. he five year old working donkey was covered in wounds when volunteer director Pramada Shah spotted her first. 

Seti was rescued by Animal Nepal's vets and programme manager. It took them some time to convince the local community, who were concerned that the emanciated donkey would be put to work in a brick kiln. Our staff managed to convince the neighbourhood that Animal Nepal has no intention to do so, and that Seti will be provided with all the loving and professional care she requires to recover.

Seti is given a new leash on life and enjoys the peace and quiet at our temporary shelter in Chobar. Once the Animal Nepal Donkey Sanctuary has been completed she will move there as one of the first residents. 

July 10 - Princess adopts rescued donkey

Months after the brick donkeys left for Western Nepal we continue to find abandoned equines living the life of scavengers. On July 10, CAT volunteer Reshma Khaet informed us about a malnourished white donkey lost in Kalanki area.

Vets Sudeep and Surendra together with Krishna located the donkey, and after a quick medical screening realised it quickly needed to be removed from the street. Although the donkey was not injured, it was extremely weak, with dehydration and malnourishment. While searching for a suitable place,Princess Ketaki Chester, a long standing animal lover, offered to adopt the donkey. The Chester family has a suitable compound, with shelter facilities and lots of grass.

Animal Nepal thanks the patient driver of the lorry that transported the lorry, Reshma and the new adoptive parents.

July 6 - Scavenger Donkey Rescued with Foal

Today AN rescued donkey Maneka with her baby Sanu from Bhaktapur. After the brick season finished in May, Maneka was left behind by a heartless owner. By this time she was lame AND pregnant.Maneka most probably gave birth to Sanu on a busy intersection in the heart of Bhaktapur.  

Maneka is one of the discarded donkeys that wander the streets of Bhaktapur, Kathmandu and Lalitpur districts. They were brought from Nepalgunj in Western Nepal to work in brick kilns in the capital but abandoned when they were considered useless. They are forced to live as scavengers and rummage through garbage for food. They are considered a nuisance as they create problems for traffic. Many abandoned donkeys are in fact pregnant females, and are forced to give birth on the street - without nutritious food, medical care or shelter.

Our staff Drs Sudeep and Surendra, together with Krishna Singh, acquired official permission from the police to take the donkeys to our temporary donkey shelter in Chobar. Local youth objected against the move, but AN

 managed to convince them by explaining that the donkeys won’t be able to survive on the busy streets of Bhaktapur much longer.

Maneka and her foal Sanu are now provided with much TLC, fluids, food and shelter at our temporary sanctuary. After many weeks of neglect and extreme stress, they can finally relax and recover their energy.  

June 23 - Animal Nepal Rescues Injured Stray Cow

Yesterday CAT volunteers Reshma and Anil called AN for help for a cow that was hit by a truck. After being injured the cow was left to die, and apparently had not moved (nor eaten!) since three days.

When our staff reached the location they found that the cow’s backbone has been damaged and its hind legs were paralysed. They the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Nepal (SPCAN), who manage a cow shelter, who promised they would make space the next day.  AN staff found a grass cutter to provide fresh grass and requested local people to manage a temporary shelter.

Next day, our staff managed with the help of the local community managed to load the cow into a rented van, after which it was taken to the SPCAN shelter. The cow has been named Gauri.

June 15 - CAT Volunteers Start their Work

After completing the 2,5 day Community Animal Treatment (CAT) Volunteer training, 7 out of 12 participants took the exam and received a certificate and medical kit.

An organised the training to create a community based preventive healthcare system for stray dogs. CAT volunteers will be supported to prepare a survey of dogs in their neighbourhood, provide first aid, organise vaccination camps and educate dog owners and community members.

AN developed a CAT Manual, which has been translated into Nepali. Read the English version on this website.

The volunteers will be supervised by our staff and will be invited for follow up meetings. We wish them every bit of good luck!

June 18 - Animal Nepal Shocked by Equine Misery in Western Nepa

Animal Nepal staff Dr Sudeep Koirala and Krishna Singh returned safely fom Western Nepal, where they were shocked by the critical conditions of horses, donkeys and mules

 “Horses, donkeys and mules are used as income generating objects by migrants who live close to the Indian border. No one seems to care for these animals, and have no knowledge whatoever about equine disease and zoonotic diseases”, says Dr Koirala.

AN staff counted a total of 636 mules and donkeys. According to Programme Manager Krishna Singh horses, mules and donkeys in this part of Nepal are treated as stray animals and the problems they face include lack of shelter, (preventive) health care, nutritious food, as well as the absence of registration by the authorities.

Koirala and Singh met with district and municipality authorities and vets. They held classes for donkey owners and conducted surveys among community members on the management of equines. The full report will soon be published on our website.

AN together with the Animal Welfare Network Nepal in May handed over more than 1000 signatures to the Ministry of Agriculture, pleading for better conditions for working animals, specially equines.  The Ministry has started broadcasting messages on humane and professional transport of working animals.

June 8 - Animal Nepal Conducts Survey of Equines in Nepalgunj

Members of Animal Nepal are leaving for Nepalgunj tomorrow to carry out a research into the conditions of working donkeys in Banke District. The team comprises of Dr Sudeep Koirala, veterinarian and Krishna Singh, Programme Manager.

During their week-long visit Koirala and Singh will prepare a survey of working donkeys.  The Nepal government till now has not carried out a census on working animals. The team will also find out how farmers use donkeys as an economic resource. The team will research the dependency of owners on donkeys for thier livelihood and if they are engaged in some other activities too. The team will assess will how donkeys are managed and if animal welfare standards are being met.

“Once we have some data on the donkey population from Nepalgunj, we will collect secondary data from the regions where the donkeys are sold,” says Dr Koirala. The team plans to present the final data to the Government.

Animal Nepal with the support of Animal Welfare Network Nepal has been suporting working donkeys in brick kilns since December 2008. Working horses, mules and donkeys mostly come from India, which is why border towns like Nepalgunj house numerous equines. From here the working equines are marketed to other parts of the country. All donkeys working in brick kilns in Kathmandu District are transported from Western Nepal to Kathmandu during the brick season (December - May).

June 6 - Design for Donkey Sanctuary Completed

This week the design for the Donkey Sanctuary has been completed. The Sanctuary is designed to house 25 sick or injured donkeys. Animal Nepal has leased 6 ropani of land in Sanawarasi VDC, close to 7 Godavari brick kilns. The land has no road access as yet,but will be connected next year.

A rehabilitation center for working donkeys is essential for Animal Nepal’s work among 400-500 horses and donkeys in Lalitpur brick kilns. A relatively high number of horses and donkeys suffer from injuries or extreme exhaustion, and need special care.

The Sanctuary will be completed in August. The construction will be supported by Brigitte Bardot Foundation. In order to support the running costs, Animal Nepal together with Animal Aid Abroad, offers an Adopt a Donkey programme for individuals and groups.

May 23 - Prayer to Mother Earth

Animal Nepal today conducted a boomi puja to prepare for the construction of our ABC centre and rehabilitation centre. The centre will address the problems of stray dogs in Lalitpur district and Kirtipur municipality.

A Hindu priest led the boomi puja, a ritual that is common in Asia to prepare land for construction. The puja acts to overcome obstacles and is a prayer to Mother Earth to protect all living beings during the construction. Vegetarian offerings such as flowers and fruits were offered in the presence of board members Manoj Gautam, Pramada Shah and staff members Krishna Singh and Sudip Koirala.

The center will rehabilitate sick and injured stray dogs, and spay and vaccinate female dogs. The project is supported by Brigitte Bardot Foundation, Humane Society International and Mayhew Animal Home. A number of individual sponsors fund a kennel in the name of their loves one.

May 19  - Over 1000 Signatures for Nepalese Donkeys

Animal Nepal together with Animal Welfare Network Nepal (AWNN) today handed over a petition signed by over one thousand people from all over the world to stop donkey abuse to the Joint Secretary at the Ministry for Agriculture and Cooperatives, Dr Hari Dahal.

The petition titled 'Stop donkey misery in Nepal' was signed by 1036 people from countries like Nepal, India, US, UK, Italy, Australia, France, Germany, Norway, Mexico, Canada, South Africa, Netherlands, Belgium and others. The purpose of the signature campaign is to raise awareness to stop cruelty on working animals like donkeys. The petition demands concerned authorities and donkey owners to introduce a care system for these animals that suffer from malnutrition, open sores, lacerations, and general neglect.

Members of An and AWNN also urged the Joint Secretary to implement the Animal Transportation Act and wished to participate in drafting of the Animal Welfare Act. Mr Dahal was positive about these concerns and expressed commitment to take initiative on monitoring the execution of the Animal Transportation Act or the Pasu Dhuwani Mapdanda 2064.

Animal Nepal Director Pramada Shah, after handing over the petition hoped that the ministry would cooperate in raising animal welfare issues and that the Animal Welfare Act would soon be finalised and send to the Parliament.

May 2, 2009 – Animal Nepal Moves Ahead in ABC/AR Project

Today we started a 3 day CAT (Community Animal Treatment) and signed a lease agreement for a piece of land. The CAT training and construction of dog treatment centre are important steps in our ABC/AR projec

Animal Birth Control and Anti Rabies (ABC/AR) are at the heart of our approach to reduce the suffering of stray dogs in Lalitpur District. Our vision is to build a community preventive health care network. CAT volunteers are trained and guided to be out main contact in the communities. The CAT training drew 15 participants from all walks of life. Volunteer director Pramada Shah gave an introduction after which trainers Krishna and Sudeep took over. Two rescued dogs, Benji and Beta, volunteered as guinee pigs and were abundantly bandaged...

Our ABC/AR center will be build in Chobar, a beautiful historical village just across the Bagmati river from Patan. Here we signed an lease agreement for a plot of land for15 years with the Adinath Forest Committee. Due to AN’s registration problems and the forest committee's legal problems with a local abandoned cement factory the process took over three months.