Going to the dogs

November, 15, 2011 – Animal Nepal rehabilitates confiscated parrots

2012-01-19T08:23:00.001-08:00

Today Animal Nepal and AWNN, with the help of Balkhu police station, rescued four parrots and a puppy from India bird smugglers. The parrots were taken to Animal Nepal's animal sanctuary while the puppy was adopted by kind police officers.

The parrots and puppy were kept in tiny cages. The birds were being sold on the streets of Kathmandu, while the puppy was destined to be smuggled to India, to be sold there as a 'Himalayan breed'. Roots and Shoots and Animal Nepal rescued 42 such puppies in December last year.

The parrots are being rehabilitated at Chobar Animal Sanctuary. The police officers decided to adopt the puppy, which now guards the police station of Balkhu.

November 11, 2011 – Monkey kept in tiny cage rescued

2012-01-19T08:22:00.004-08:00

A baby monkey which was kept in a tiny cage as part of an 'educational mini zoo' by Anal Jyoti Boarding School (Sunakothi) has been rescued by Roots and Shoots Nepal. After receiving vaccinations at Animal Nepal's animal sanctuary, the rescuers took the monkey to its new home at the R&S rehab centre in Nagarkot.

The baby monkey was kept in a small cage, together with some birds and rabbits, 'to educate the children about the importance of animals', according to school authorities. After regular visits by Animal Nepal staff, the school management agreed to hand over the monkey. The pet monkey was self harming and showed aggressive behaviour.

Although the monkey probably cannot be rehabilitated in the wild, it now has a large enclosure, hopefully shared with other monkeys in the future.

November 11, 2011 – Hari rescued from Harisiddi

2012-01-19T08:22:00.002-08:00

Today we rescued Hari, a young dog whose leg was badly broken and infected after an accident. We had been trying to find him since many days; despite his injury Hari moved around a lot in his village Harisiddi. Hari will first receive anti biotics to bring the infection down. After that a splint will be put to straighten his leg. We wish him a speedy recovery!

A video can be watched here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Qmx41BwZqk

November 10, 2011 – Dog suffering from advanced cancer rescued

2012-01-19T08:22:00.000-08:00

A dog suffering from an advanced stage of Canine transmissible venereal tumor (CTVT) has been rescued by us today. We call her Asha (Hope) and are trying our utmost to save her life. Asha used to live in front of Nabil Bank, Pulchowk. Since she is too weak to be given chemo treatment immediately we first boost her immune system with hydration, anti biotics and vitamins.

Watch a video of Asha here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pz2g0seTVg

November 7, 2011 - Donkey traveler Brigitte Blot visits Animal Nepal

2012-01-19T08:21:00.000-08:00

Today Brigitte Blot, who travelled with her two donkeys throughout France and Spain and produced three books about her travels, visited Animal Nepal. Together with film maker Patrick Kersale she is working on a book and film about donkeys in Nepal. She wanted to meet the rescued equines at the donkey sanctuary and also observed and filmed donkeys at work in a nearby brick factory. Brigitte and Patrick will travel with a ‘mule train’ in the Himalayas and might even visit the equine bazaar of Nepalgunj. We wish them happy travels!

November 3, 2011 – Starving donkeys saved with nutritious food

2012-01-19T08:20:00.000-08:00

Animal Nepal today fed 13 starving donkeys at Shiva Shakti Brick Factory. By the time we heard about the hungry equines, 9 donkeys had already died from starvation. They were kept in an unventilated room covered in feaces. Their hoofs were already infected.
Animal Nepal has reported the case with the police. It seems the donkeys were kept as a bond when their Rolpa-based owner owned money from the brick entrepreneur. Animal Nepal is abhorred by the treatment meted out to the innocent animals.
The donkeys have been moved to an airy shelter and receive daily rations.
Watch a video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqT-tiW1HV0

November 3, 2011 – Buddy finds a new home at our donkey sanctuary

2012-01-19T08:18:00.004-08:00

Today we rescued Buddy, a malnourished working horse with a hoof so badly overgrown, it could hardly walk. In our equine outreach programme we regularly come across such horses. Injured or sick, their owners leave them to fend for themselves. 10-year old Buddy worked in a brick factory for many years. After developing a hoof problem, he was left to graze in a nearby field.

By the time his owner handed him over to us, Buddy’s hoof was so badly overgrown, he could hardly walk. At our sanctuary, the starving horse was fed and his hoof was trimmed. Gentle Buddy showed his gratefulness by nudging his rescuers, Dr Sudeep, Santosh and Tek Bhandari.

October 25, 2011 – Dogs spoiled on the occasion on Kukur Tihar

2012-01-19T08:18:00.002-08:00

Each year, during Kukur Tihar or Dog Worship, Animal Nepal honours the dogs at its shelter and pets brought by friends. On October 25, mangy dog Lalu was the first to be garlanded and feted on a boiled egg and sweets. According to Animal Nepal, Kathmandu’s pet and stray dogs continue to live a life of neglect and abuse. “Kukur Puja is a perfect occasion to promote responsible pet ownership in Nepal. Dogs on this day are worshipped and treated well – something we like to see happening every day of the year,” says programme manager Krishna Singh.

In the presence of 25 well wishers board member Shobha Rajamayi launched two booklets on the care of puppies and adult dogs, Animal Nepal will use these in its community education programme to increase people’s understanding of nutrition, treatment and general management of dogs

October 23, 2011 – Animal Nepal comes to the rescue in Dholahity

2012-01-19T08:18:00.000-08:00

Two weeks ago we received an email from Lalitpur resident Soan KC which said: “During the Dashain holidays, I saw three street dogs familiar to me die in my area (a vehicle ran over one and the two died of illness such as prostate gland problems). There are more than fifty street dogs in Dholahity requiring rescue and assistance from us and hence, I make a request for a camp to help these needy animals. The urgent need at this moment is rabies vaccination and operation on female dogs to stop their breeding.”

Today, with the help of Soan and her friends, we vaccinated 23 dogs and treated two dogs. We also rescued a severely malnourished, hairless dog and caught female dogs for spaying. Soan KC uploaded a photo essay on Facebook which she dedicated to the members of Animal Nepal for "showing me the path and assuring that those who can’t express can be understood and taken care of ...... one of the most productive days of my life.....”

The photos can be seen here:http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.838812476351.2269541.44011428&type=3

October 17, 2011 – Shuri the cat on top location

2012-01-19T08:17:00.002-08:00

Rescued cat Shuri at first was frightened by the many puppies pouncing on him at the Chobar Animal Sanctuary, but by now he has learned how to deal with unwanted attention. Dozing off on roof tops, tables and little chairs make a pleasant change from all the playing!

September 28, 2011 – World Rabies Day celebrated with mobile ca

2012-01-19T08:17:00.000-08:00

Today we celebrated World Rabies Day by vaccinating close to 100 dogs with the support of DLSO Lalitpur. We drove from Sato Bato to Taukhel and vaccinated all dogs along the way. We distributed countless leaflets on rabies and dog bite prevention to communities in Dapakhel, Hatiban, Harisiddi and Taukhel.

We also vaccinated all dogs inside the campound of Kanti Children's Hospital. We want to make sure the young patients and their families are safe from rabies.

Thank you everyone who helped us make this programme a success!

September 20, 2011 – Three equines adopted by Chitwan farm

2012-01-19T08:16:00.001-08:00

As Animal Nepal's donkey sanctuary is getting over populated we are always on the look out for adoption families. Earlier this month our board member Shobha Rayamaji committed herself to adopting one horse (Jugal) and two of our donkeys (Champa and Sanu). Shobha's farm is located in Nawalparasi, a ten hour drive from Kathmandu.

Today our staff Dr Sudeep, Tek Bahadur and Keshab loaded the equines in a Tata truck and set off for the farm. Upon their arrival the equines were checked by a team from Mayhew International, who were conducted a training at Rampur Veterinary College. Jugal was treated for a minor health problem, while Sanu and Champa were found to be in good condition. The threesome enjoys its new home, with more space, fodder and personal attention

September 19, 2011 – Mayhew team conducts much appreciated workshops

2012-01-19T08:15:00.004-08:00

Empowering young professionals is essential in Nepal. Few (student) vets get the chance to learn practical skills in treatment and surgery. Few realise animal welfare can be a deserving career.

This week, Mayhew International and Animal Nepal organised a series of workshop on good handling and surgery practices. Mayhew trainers Dr Ursula Goetz and Felicity Forbes demonstrated spaying surgeries, explaining the process from the moment the dog receives its pre op check up till it wakes up and checked with a post op check up.

We organised a two day workshop for welfare professionals. One day student workshops were held at HICAST college in Bhaktapur and IAAS college in Rampur. We hope to organize such trainings on an ongoing basis in the future. Thank you Dr Ursula and Felicity!

August 26, 2011 – AN deeply upset by Bhaktapur dog poisoning

2012-01-19T08:15:00.002-08:00

Animal Nepal is deeply upset by the recent strychnine poisoning of around 200 community dogs by Bhaktapur municipality. AN lobbies for a total ban on dog poisoning and condemns authorities which continue to use inhumane, dangerous and ineffective methods to address overpopulation.

The images of ‘man’s best friend’ dying a slow and agonizing death are heart rendering and deeply traumatizing for children and other members of the public.

What is even more shocking is that the strychnine poison was provided by the Zoonoses Unit of Epidemiology Disease Control Division (EDCD), the government body in charge of mass vaccination campaigns funded by animal welfare organizations.

Animal Nepal wants to thank Bhaktapur Animal Welfare Society (BAWS) for saving and euthanizing some of the dogs and standing up against the local government.

August 25, 2011 – AN joins consumer campaign at Real Estate Expo

2012-01-19T08:15:00.000-08:00

Our staff this week join BrickClean Network (BCN) representatives to promote ‘clean and green bricks’ at the Real Estate Expo. BCN encourages developers, builders, architects and other visitors in choosing the right bricks to build ‘a clean and green Valley, brick by brick’. Over 2000 people visited the BCN stall.

BCN at the expo will display images of brick factory workers and provide information about where to buy the right kind of bricks. Concerned about the plight of the workers and environmental degradation, the network aims to promote socially responsible brick making. BCN has introduced a certification system in which brick factories are rated according to various indicators.

BCN was created by a group of social workers, environmentalists, child rights and animal rights advocates working in brick factories in the Kathmandu Valley.

August 11, 2011 – AN campaigns to stop Khokana goat cruelty

2012-01-19T08:14:00.001-08:00

Each year in Khokana a cruel ritual takes place. A live goat is thrown into a pond and bitten to death by a group of youngsters. The person who kills the goat with his teeth is considered a ‘hero’ and leads the procession.

Animal Nepal since two years organizes camps in the weeks before the sacrifice takes place, to raise awareness and to convince the community to stop the cruel practice. This year during a health camp for pets and strays, our team vaccinated and treated 30 dogs. Although the camps are highly appreciated, sadly the ritual was not stopped this year.

August 11, 2011 – Indian donkeys employed in Kathmandu brick kilns

2012-01-19T08:13:00.003-08:00

Animal Nepal is shocked to find that each year 100-300 Indian equines are employed in Kathmandu brick factories. The equines come from Nanpura in Uttar Pradesh, India, a small town located at a 22 km distance from Nepalgunj (Nepal).

Nanpura equine owners have strong connections with the Nepalgunj community. If the imported equine is part of a herd it will enter Nepal through the official route. However, smaller numbers are smuggled across the border. Brokers charge IRs 1000 per donkey to provide a Nepali custom paper and a veterinary certificate.

At Nanpura during off season all equines are in abandoned in the street; no owner has a proper shelter for equines. The municipality runs a Kanji House where confiscated equines are kept but charges only IRs 50 per donkey so owners do not mind paying the occasional fines

August 10, 2011 – AN team treats 18 equines in Nepalgunj

2012-01-19T08:13:00.001-08:00

During a series of mobile health camps, 18 equines were treated by a visiting Animal Nepal team on an ongoing basis in Nepalgunj. Most sick equines suffered from open wounds, eye or ear infections, hoof problems or weakness due to malnutrition and pyometra in females. Sadly one foal could not be saved.

Dr Sudeep and technician Radhika together treated the badly infected ear of a male white donkey. After repeated visits the ear healed, providing much relief to the donkey and its owner

August 8, 2011 – AN team organizes Nepalgunj workshops

2012-01-19T08:12:00.001-08:00

Our staff Dr Sudeep Koirala and Krishna Singh are presently conducting a series of workshops and mobile health camps to support the Nepalgunj team, Dr Prativa Shrestha, Surendra Karki and Radhika Poudel.

During a workshop with equine owners, participants were encouraged to form a group to stand united. The group calls itself Gadha, Ghoda and Khachhar Vavasai Sameeti (Horse, Mule and Donkey Owners’ Committee). Interactive meetings were held with government and media representatives.

This year we found that our education and lobbying activities are paying off and that conditions are generally improving. Our team noticed that the shelters of mules and horses have been improved and better medical care and nutrition is provided

July 30, 2011 – Suffering donkey saved by Dr Sudeep

2012-01-19T08:11:00.001-08:00

Dr Sudeep Koirala, veterinary manager of our equine outreach programme, managed to save the life of Anna, a 14-year old female donkey whose uterus prolapsed when giving birth to a dead foal. Dr Sudeep first cleaned the uterus using povidone iodine. He then proceeded by providing a painkiller and antibiotics injection. After that he slowly and carefully pushed the uterus back in, blocking the exit with a bottle until everything was back in place.

Once the uterus was in its original position the mother donkey was able to relax. “I had been working intensively for a few hours on this challenging job, and only when the donkey felt fine I could relax as well,” says Sudeep.

July 29, 2011 – Animal Nepal treats over 2000 equine cases

2012-01-19T08:10:00.003-08:00

Animal Nepal treated a total of 2049 equine cases in 13 brick factories the period January-June. This revealed our latest quarterly report. A total of 507 working equines were immunized and dewormed. Most common health problems treated are harness and hobble wounds, mineral deficiency, dermatitis, eye infections and lameness. A total of 27 donkeys were reported to have died in our working area during this season.

Our staff organized four workshop of equine management for equine owners in which they were taught about preventive health care, shelter management, wound treatment and credit analysis.

Although the suffering of donkeys, mules and horses working in Kathmandu’s brick factories remains overwhelming, we are happy to conclude that the presence of wounds and injuries in our working area has reduced significantly

July 28, 2011 – Street children meet street dogs

2012-01-19T08:10:00.001-08:00

Both are regarded as outcasts by society. They live side by side on the streets of Kathmandu and face similar challenges. Perhaps that is why they have a special relationship: street children and stray dogs.

In a unique program set up by Sangkalpa, Heart Beat and Animal Nepal, street children are taught how to take care of dogs. In this program, coordinated by our education officer Sushma Maharjan and artist Mike Lilly, we teach children how to better interact with dogs and to see that they are not mistreated.

During a visit Chobar Animal Sanctuary the kids were given demonstrations by our staff. They toured the facilities and took the dogs for a walk. The children learned simple commands, and the correct way to walk the dog. At the conclusion the young visitors were given sketchbooks to share their impressions, followed by sports activities and lunch.

July 7, 2011 – Donation from children’s home’s supporters

2012-01-19T08:09:00.003-08:00

Animal Nepal received NRs 10,000 and a box of medicines from supporters of SEA Nepal, Ms Marie-Helene Duprat and Jocelyne Vitart. In the past Animal Nepal helped treating needy dogs found in the locality of SEA Nepal’s children’s home. The medicines were handed over by SEA Nepal’s associate Hari. Among the medicines were Betadine, gloves, sterile gauzes, masks and ear medicine. Thank you Marie-Helene, Jocelyne and Hari!

July 4, 2011 – Animal Nepal organizes workshop on city cow management

2012-01-19T08:09:00.001-08:00

Animal Nepal today organized an interaction programme on stray cow management in Kathmandu Valley at the Lalitpur Sub Metropolitan City office. Being faced with injured cows on a weekly basis, Animal Nepal lobbies for improved management of abandoned cows which roam the city streets.

Occasionally stray cows are rounded up and left on an undisclosed location outside the valley. Representatives from three municipalities and DLSO brainstormed on possible solutions. Some of the strategies discussed were tagging of owned cows, assigning a budget and opening cow shelters.

An alliance has been formed which plans to develop a 5 year management plan. The next meeting will be organized by Kathmandu municipality.

June 8, 2011 – Mike Lilly’s art show for animals opens up

2012-01-19T08:08:00.001-08:00

American artist Mike Lilly has teamed up with Animal Nepal and Pledge Nepal to organise a one month art exhibition featuring recent works that highlight the interaction between humans and animals. The show was opened today by Dr Kevin Rushing, USAID Mission Director, at Chai Chai Gallery.

Mike Lilly is an American artist who moved to Nepal in 2008. He did his MFA at San Fransisco Art Academy. Since arriving in Kathmandu he worked as a Visual Art Coordinator at Ullens School. These days his aim is to empower children in need. Lilly’s recent work focuses on animals. “I got inspired by the work of my wife at Animal Nepal, an organization that reaches out to working donkeys and their child handlers, as well as stray dogs and cows.”

June 8, 2011 - Dr Kevin Rushing visits Animal Nepal

2012-01-19T08:07:00.002-08:00

Today USAID Mission Director Dr Kevin Rushing visited Animal Nepal and made a tour of our sanctuaries. Dr Rushing is a veterinary doctor with a great interest in animal welfare activities in Nepal. He handed over a state of the art surgery table and two operation light sets to vet coordinator Dr Surendra Basyal. Dr Rushing also handed over boxes of various medicines and instruments to Volunteer Director Pramada Shah. Thank you Dr Rushing!

June 13, 2011 - Victory is born!

2012-01-19T08:07:00.000-08:00

Today we witnessed the birth of Victory, the first foal to be born at our donkey sanctuary. Victory is a gorgeous white foal whose proud mother is Bruna, whom we rescued on March 5. Bruna at that time was pregnant and suffered from a lame front leg and refused to work, which was why she was abandoned by her owner. Fearing a miscarriage, Animal Nepal rescued the donkey. Mother and foal are doing very well

June 8, 2011 - A friend in need...

2012-01-19T08:06:00.001-08:00

Today when we arrived at our central office at Ekantakuna, we found that an injured dog had been abandoned inside our storeroom. The female puppy, now called Sathi (friend) suffers from an old fracture, with dysfunction, local trauma, abnormal posture and crepitus. We took Sathi to our consultant vet, Dr Balaram Thapa, who fixed a pin inside the broken leg. We wish Sathi a speedy recovery!

June 6, 2011 – Pulchowk mother dog reunited with puppies

2012-01-19T08:05:00.000-08:00

Today we rescued an emaciated mother dog from Pulchowk. She had given birth to six puppies, are of whom were adopted. Left without pups the mother dog’s breasts started to fill up with milk and she developed mastitis. She is now reunited with three of her puppies at our sanctuary and will be spayed and vaccinated once the puppies can eat independently.

Older posts

2012-01-19T08:04:00.001-08:00

June 5, 2011 - Campaigners hand over Animal Welfare Act

AN editor

Today, Animal Welfare Network Nepal (AWNN), on the occasion of World Environment Day, hand ed over a draft Animal Welfare Act to Shanta Chaudhary, Chair of the Natural Resource Committee.

Earlier AWNN launched a Facebook campaign to lobby for the protection of animals. The campaign, called ‘People Unite for Animals’, drew a large crowd in Babar Mahal.

The act is based on the internationally recognized Five Freedoms of Animals and introduces an Animal Welfare and Ethics Committee as well as penalties for abusers.

The campaigners say animals are an integral part of the environment and that without legal protection cruelty against animals will go unabated. Nepal is one of the few countries in the world without an Animal Welfare Act. “This means that animals can be abused without anyone being able to stop it,” says Pramada Shah, chair of AWNN.

Parliamentarian Chaudhary said she would promote the act endorsed by AWNN and use the expertise of the network to improve Nepal’s laws related to animals.

June 3, 2011 – AN relaunches its Adopt a Nepali Dog campaign

AN editor

Today we relaunched our Adopt a Nepali Dog campaign by introducing new poster slogans and designs and one month of media exposure. The cool designs were prepared by Shirish Dali. The campaign uses a special website (www.adoptanepalidog.info) to promote the adoption of Nepalese mixed breeds, most of them rescued by Animal Nepal. One of the slogans says “Why buy a German Shepherd, a Japanese Spitz or a Tibetan Mastiff when you can have an all in one, for free?” Nepali Times published a feature article on the campaign, after which 3 dogs and a cat were adopted.

June 1, 2011 - Lulu the hairless dog

AN editor

Today we rescued Lulu, a mangy and severely malnourished dog. At the moment she is not a candidate for Nepal’s handsomest dog but we trust that with treatment and good food she soon will be. We wish Lulu a happy stay at our sanctuary!

May 20, 2011 - Maiti fully recovered

AN editor

Maiti, the young calf with a broken leg which we rescued on March 14, has fully recovered. He now walks normally and enjoys grazing in the area around our shelter. Although we still feed him at night, soon Maiti will be released fully in the nearby forest area. We still hope to see Maiti at least once a day for some extra treats!

May 18, 2011 – Animal Nepal helps to rescue 180 birds

AN editor

Animal Nepal and Roots and Shoots today joined hands to save the lives of 180 birds. The birds were rescued in a raid conducted by Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN) and Roots and Shoots (R&S) on Buddha Jyanti (Buddha’s birthday) yesterday.

The birds are rehabilitated at Animal Nepal’s Chobar Animal Sanctuary. The non-indigenous species will be handed over to the Central Zoo.

Indian traders Firoj, Raja and Naushad were found keeping 300 birds which are illegally trafficked from India. Birds such as Munia, Blossom Headed Parakeet, Baya Weaver and Budgi Gus were kept in small cages and some of them were suffering from serious health problems.

The raid proves once again that Nepal has become a hub for bird smuggling. Each day, traders sell hundreds of birds in major cities of the nation, making a mockery of laws that prohibit trade in birds.

May 15, 2011 - Donkeys in pants

AN editor

The three rescued donkeys that were adopted by Pauline’s Guesthouse are doing very well. The managers of the resort have even fitted them with special ‘trousers’ to avoid mosquito bites. Blind Naina looks quite fashionable in her new pants….Thanks Pauline!

May 12, 2011 – Animal Nepal vet joins VPAT conference

AN editor

Dr Surendra Basyal, vet coordinator of our stray dog programme, today returned from Thailand where with the support of WSPA he joined the annual Veterinary Practitioners Association of Thailand (VPAT) conference. Dr Surendra returned refreshed and excited about the new knowledge and skills he acquired at the conference. He is especially impressed with his new knowledge about current techniques in wound management, autoimmune skin disease and basic requirements for emergency practice etc. Dr Surendra enjoyed exchanging knowledge with colleagues from all over the world. Thank you WSPA!

April 30, 2011 - World Vet Day celebrated in Nepalgunj

AN editor

Today our staff in Nepalgunj participated in a rally to celebrate World Veterinary Day 2011. Using the slogan “One world, one health, Rabies eradication is our goal” over 200 people from different Government and NGOs rallied for more awareness on rabies. The march started from DLSO office and moved through the main chowks of Nepalgunj, including the area where equine owners live. The closing ceremony was addressed by DLSO chief Dr. Puspa Prasad Shrestha, who remarked that “a society and its people will only be healthy when its animals are healthy. The cruelty against animals should be stopped and we must raise our voices for animal rights.”

April 12, 2011 – Chobar Animal Sanctuary gets a facelift

AN editor

Today renovations have started at the Chobar Animal Sanctuary. Thanks to a generous grant from 30 Million d’Amis the compound will be paved, fenced and the kennels tiled. We will build six extra kennels for sick and injured dogs, a store room and install solar lights and AC in the operation theater. We also plan to create a lab with microscope to improve our diagnostic skills. Last but not least we will create flower beds to create an even better atmosphere for our staff and furry friends!

April 9, 2011 – Animal Nepal staff dance for clean and green bricks

AN editor

“Say no to blood bricks: use clean and green bricks.” This was the message of a stunning flashmob with 200 dancers in which our staff participated with much enthusiasm. The main purpose was to promote the Brick Clean Network, and its national consumer campaign. The Network was created by organizations such as Animal Nepal working in brick factories to promote socially responsible brick making. Some 200 dancers danced to a choreographed flashmob dance on two locations: Kathmandu Durbar Square and Jawalakhel Football Ground. Thousands of people witnessed the programme which apart from Nepal’s first ever flashmob, included a photo exhibition by Achinto and a contemporary art performance by Karl Knapp. Watch the historic flashmob here:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9dfJaOK4xM

April 9, 2011 – Working with animals can be therapeutic!

AN editor

Today over fifty recovering drugs users listened to a presentation about working with animals at Richmond Fellowship Nepal. The rehab place is located close to our animal sanctuary. The main motto was ‘Volunteering saves lives and can save yours too’. Education Officer Sushma Maharjan shared how volunteering helped her to recover from breast cancer. Volunteer Director Lucia de Vries shared some stories about the dogs at the shelter and gave tips on how to work with animals. We hope to receive the Richmond volunteers soon!

8 April, 2011 – Four horses rescued from Nagarkot

AN editor

Animal Nepal today rescued four horses from Nagarkot. They were used for rides by tourists but were in a sad state after being abandoned by their owner. The horses have gone wild and are presently being trained by Tek Bahadur Bhandari. After they fully recover and have calmed down we will be looking for good homes for them!

April 2, 2011 – Fun time at the brick factory

AN editor

Today, at Bol Bum brick factory, an unusual scene could be seen. A group of around thirty donkey handlers, aged 8-18, were standing in a circle, holding hands. They were having a fun time, playing games, eating good food, trying their hand at simple writing skills, and listening to a new message: “Don’t beat your donkey!”

Animal Nepal today launched a novel pilot project for children who are employed in brick factories to handle working equines. During Saturday workshops, Animal Nepal provides the boys a much needed break by offering games, artwork, snacks and a chance to learn the Nepalese alphabet. The boys at the same time learn how to take good care of the animals.

The handlers at Bol Bum brick factory respond with much enthusiasm and have stopped the beatings. Using discarded plastic bottels and pebbels they invented a simple instrument to make the donkeys move, by sound!

April 1, 2011 – Rescued donkeys find a new home at Pauline’s Guesthouse

AN editor

It sounds like an April Fool’s joke but it isn’t. Today two of our donkeys, Bibi and blind Naina, as well as a mule foal called Shakti , today moved to a resort on the edge of the Valley.

The lucky threesome was adopted by the two managers of Pauline's Guesthouse, both called Pauline. It was an unnerving journey for the threesome but it was worth it! The resort prepared a cosy shed for them, which they will share with two very curious dogs.

Bibi and Shakti will join short trekkings with tourists in the nearby Shivapuri National Park. We wish the threesome a happy stay at Pauline’s Guesthouse!

March 31, 2011 – Students vets exposed to equine welfare

AN editor

Today we welcomed a group of 30 upcoming vets from the Himalayan College for Agriculture Studies (HICAST). The students in the morning participated in a workshop on Working Equine Welfare, presented by visiting equine specialist Dr Ramesh Kumar (Donkey Sanctuary India) and Animal Nepal staff Dr Sudeep, Krishna and Lucia. During a visit to Bol Bom brick factory the students got a chance to treat injured working equines. At our donkey sanctuary they got a chance to come face to face with our residents, 13 rescued horses, mules and donkeys. A few students have committed to working with us as a volunteer.

March 14, 2011 - Maiti: holy but abandoned

AN editor

This morning we received a phone call from St Xaviers college in Maitighar. A male calf was hit by a car and had broken its front leg. The students were keeping the calf in a safe place. Our vets rescued the calf, now known as Maiti, and plastered its leg. At the shelter our staff developed a simple support system, allowing the injured calf to stand up every three hours. Maiti is recovering fast and feels at home at our Animal Sanctuary. Even though the cow is considered holy in Nepal, stray cows suffer tremendously, especially in the cities. Abandoned calves rummage through garbage, while old cows can be found sleeping on the hot tarmac. We wish Maiti a speedy recovery!

50 dogs vaccinated at annual camp in Chobar

AN editor

Today we organized our annual vaccination camp in Chobar, the village where our animal shelter is located. With the help of Chobar Youth Club and vet technician Rajendra Bista from Department of Livestock Services we vaccinated 49 dogs (community and pet dogs). A total of 11 dogs were treated, most of them for open sores and skin infections. Animal Nepal last year launched its Chobar Rabies Free programme. Together with the community we aim to make Chobar rabies free within three years.

March 5, 2011 - AN celebrates Losar with arrival of cancer dog

AN editor

Today we celebrated Losar or Tibetan New Year by welcoming a male dog suffering from skin cancer and tumours in both eyes. The dog was found by a Tibetan family living in Boudha. "We fed the dog for many weeks but could no longer endure the fact that he was becoming blind and suffered from terrible skin ulcers," the family said. Losar, as the dog has been named, will be treated with chemotherapy. We wish him a speedy recovery!

March 3, 2011 - Nepali girl rescues drowning puppy

AN editor

Babita, a 9-year old from Chobar, last night rescued a puppy from the Bagmati river. The puppy,who suffered from pneumonia and skin problems, was thrown into the river in a jute bag. Babita heard the puppy crying and convinced her sister to wade into the river to catch it.

The young animal rescuer then washed the puppy with warm water and took it to our shelter. Here the puppy immediately received medical treatment.

Babita is very happy that the puppy could be saved. "I am angry with the people who did this. Why would anyone want to kill a puppy in such a cruel manner?" she says. Babita has named the puppy Babu. Animal Nepal will provide the brave rescuer with a certificate and enlarged portraits of Babita and Babu.

February 28, 2011 - AN team organizes camp in Patan Dokha

AN editor

Today Animal Nepal organized its monthly health camp in Patan Doka, where it presently conducts its Animal Birth Control and Anti Rabies programme. A total of 38 dogs vaccinated while 12 dogs got treated. Among the cases was a dog with water retention in the abdominal part, one with an eye infection, and other patients with wounds and skin infections. The team also handed out brochures and provided education on pet care and dog bites.

January 7, 2011 - Shelter welcomes rickets patient

AN editor

Today the Chobar Animal Sanctuary welcomed Ricky, a puppy with a serious form of rickets. Rickets is a bone and muscle condition caused by a lack of nutritious food. Ricky's front legs are bended severely. Still, the puppy loves running around the shelter, especially when food is involved! Ricky is being treated with vitamins and calcium. We hope his front legs will soon be back in shape!

26 January - Animal Nepal organizes health camp in Banglamukhi

AN editor

Today Animal Nepal organised its monthly community health camp in Banglamukhi, close to the famous Patan temple which is very popular with young visitors. While we catch female dogs for spaying and vaccination, we also organise health camps, in close collaboration with the local community. With the help of Banglamukhi locals we treated seven sick or injured dogs and vaccinated 28 (both stray and pets). We provided various education materials to the local community, including a leaflets about the importance of dog population control and ways to avoid dog bites.

January 6, 2011 - Animal Nepal organizes workshop for vets

AN editor

Today volunteer vet Dr Ramona Deiss organized a workshop on pain management and euthanasia at Animal Nepal. Vets from different shelters and practices joined the discussion on how to best prevent pain and discomfort, and how to euthanize a suffering animal. Dr Ramona used manuals from WSPA and AAHA/AAFP.

The participants concluded that Nepalese vets would be helped with tools such as a oesophageal stethoscope as it is challenging to judge the state of the animals just from observation. Dr Ramona stressed the importance of somebody always being by the side of the anesthetized animals, watching out for subtle signs of the animal waking up and catching it BEFORE it starts moving.

December 26 – Dutch couple builds recreational objects

AN editor

Eric Schloesser and Judith de Vries during their holiday in Nepal build several recreational objects for the dogs at our shelter. With the Chobar Animal Sanctuary overfilled with puppies the new objects are high in demand! They also piloted our 2-day donkey trek to the Summit Village Resort. Eric and Judith designed a simple catching device for stray dogs and donated two of these to Animal Nepal. Thank you Eric and Judith!

December 25 – A dangerous road trip from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu

AN editor

Dr Sudeep Koirala during Christmas travelled with some of the equines from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu and discovered that both equines and their owners are abused in the process. The donkeys were cruelly pulled into the truck by their tails and ears. During the 33 hour journey the animals were provided nor with water nor with food. The driver drove like a madman, injuring a donkey and a horse in the process. Sadly two horses were injured and died after their arrival. One horse became fully blind and was taken to our sanctuary, where it died a week later from internal injuries. The equine owners, apart from paying NRs 35.000 (€ 350) for truck hire, paid an additional NRs 45.000 (€ 450) for fees and bribes to government officials and unidentified gangs while transporting the equines to Kathmandu.

December 26 - Animal Nepal introduces Walking with Donkeys programme

AN editor

As the donkeys at our sanctuary are in need of some excitement and more exercise, Animal Nepal introduced a novel Walking with Donkeys programme.

The treks will also help to raise some extra funds to improve the infrastructure. With the help of equine trainer Tek Bahadur Bhandari we build a rank and started training the residents from September onwards. The Summit Village Resort at Lamatar was interested in supporting the novel project.

The staff build a donkey shelter where the long ears can spend a warm and comfortable night. Krishna and Fuzz were selected by Bhandari to join the first 2-day pilot walk. A group of friends walked from the donkey sanctuary to the resort. It was a wonderful trek.

The donkeys were so excited that once we unloaded the luggage and gave them a free reign they ran up the Rishi Danda hill! Krishna and Fuzz enjoyed their night at the resort. We brought choker and lots of fresh vegetables. The staff also organised hay for the donkeys to munch on at night.

December 25 – Eight puppies still looking for a home

AN editor

Of the 42 puppies that we rescued on December 10 only eight are still looking for a good home. We request the public to help out by volunteering and adopting a puppy. We want all the dogs to have a home by the end of 2010!

The puppies have been treated and dewormed, and those who survived are in excellent health. Thanks to our kind staff and volunteers they are fully socialised and love to play and run!

We are confident that if you visit our sanctuary you will find a puppy of your choice. They are between 4-7 weeks old and are mixed breeds with Tibetan mastiff and other pure breed influence.

We will provide you with a health card and -if needed- follow up medical care. Female puppies will be spayed for free when they are 4/5 months old.

For more information contact Krishna Singh at 9841-334537. The sanctuary is located in Chobar, behind Modern Indian School. For more info visit www.adoptanepalidog.info

December 10 – Animal Nepal and Roots and Shoots rescue 42 puppies

AN editor

Thousands of Nepalese stray puppies have been sold as ‘Himalayan breeds’ in India in the past decade. This was found when Animal Nepal and Roots and Shoots exposed the illegal trafficking of Nepalese dogs to India by rescuing 42 puppies in two raids last night. The puppies were destined for Sonepur Mela, Asia’s largest animal fair, held annually in Bihar

Traders Mohammed Sagir, Aka Kallu Miya, Mohammed Ali and Mohammed Nasin, when reporting at the police, said that in the past years they were never asked any questions by Nepalese or Indian authorities. Some of the traders were arrested for bird smuggling in the past but were released as the police deemed the confiscated bird species not important enough for prosecution.

The puppies are cramped in mesh wire cages and transported on top of public buses from Kathmandu to Sonepur in Bihar via Malangala in Siraha. “The puppy trafficking, apart from being illegal, is an extremely cruel business. The majority of puppies are no longer alive when the consignment arrives in Sonepur. They die due to cold, weakness and a lack of food. Most puppies are not properly weaned and don’t stand a chance in the first place,” says Manoj Gautam from Roots and Shoots Nepal.

Last night 37 puppies were rescued from a bus ready to depart from Kalanki bus station while five more were taken from the traders'. They are presently being treated at Animal Nepal’s Chobar Sanctuary. According to Managing Veterinarian Dr Surendra Basyal the condition of the puppies is appalling. “Some of the puppies are properly weaned. Some are as young as three weeks. When we opened the jute covered cages the puppies were totally wet from sweating. One was squeezed to death. I cannot imagine that any of them would have survived the long journey to Sonepur.”

Volunteer directors Pramada Shah and Lucia de Vries request the public to come to the rescue by adopting a puppy. “The popularity of Nepalese stray puppies in India shows that Nepal’s mixed breeds are as handsome as any pure breed,” they argue.

November 24 – Gadhimai Festival remembered

AN editor

On November 24 and 25 Animal Nepal commemorated the ‘world’s largest animal sacrifice’ which took place at Gadhimai Festival a year earlier. They did so by lighting candles in the memory of each animal killed. The Animal Welfare Network Nepal announced a grassroots movement in Bara and Parsa districts to promote vegetarian sacrifices during the next Gadhimai festival, scheduled for 2014.

"I felt at peace for the first time after witnessing some of the gruelling killings a year ago," said AN Volunteer Director Pramada Shah after the lighting of 250,000 oil lamps at the Gadhimai temple. "What made me feel even better was that the priest who presided over the killings this time conducted our ritual," added Shah. Chief priest Mangal Chaudhary helped the campaigners to make vegetarian offerings to the image of the goddess Gadhimai and presided over the 'lakh batti balne' (lighting of lamps) ritual.

According to Shah the ritual needed to take place: "In our culture we remember living beings by lighting lamps. It is also a way to purify the area, which was awash with blood a year ago and continues to see regular animal sacrifices," says AN's director.

Executive member Manoj Gautam together with campaign coordinators Santosh Khatiwada and Krishna Singh facilitated two interaction programmes in Bara and Parsa districts. Apart from State Minister Karima Begum the meetings were attended by political and religious leaders, business people and representatives from the District Administrative Office, Department of Livestock , various NGOs and the media.

State Minister Begum said animal sacrifice cannot be stopped but promised her support to the campaign.

AWNN with the help of local NGO Janahit Sanchar will launch a 4-year social mobilisation programme to support a grassroots movement against animal sacrifice.

Pramada Shah's article on the Gadhimai anniversary called 'Never Again' can be read here:

http://www.ekantipur.com/2010/11/24/oped/never-again/325508/

November 4 – Nepalgunj programme taking wings

AN editor

Today our team returned from Nepalgunj, Nepal’s main equine bazaar. Here thousands horses, mules and donkeys are prepared for various jobs, including hauling bricks in brick factories in Kathmandu Valley.

Last year, after being shocked into action, Animal Nepal, with the help of Donkey Sanctuary UK and India, launched a local outreach program. We found that during off season donkeys are abandoned on the streets. They suffer from injuries, malnutrition, dehydration and gastric problems including colic.

Our staff Dr Prateeva and Surendra work day and night to improve the conditions.

During our trip we mobilised the women of the impoverished donkey owners’ community for income generation. We also cleaned areas of plastic and created shift shelter. We requested the municipality to provide us with land for permanent homes for the donkeys.

The day before leaving we held a press conference to create nationwide awareness. Our work in Nepalgunj has taken wings!

Older posts

2012-01-19T08:03:00.000-08:00

November 1 - Cancer treatment at our shelter successful

AN editor

When on September 14 we provided chemotherapy to the first dog suffering from CTVT (Canine Transmissible Venereal Tumour) we were not sure what to expect. Puppy suffered not only from a large cauliflower like growth from the privates but also from a tumour in her right one. CTVT is a common disease in female dogs in Nepal. Until recently we euthanized dogs with advanced stages of CTVT. As this was affecting us deeply we searched for alternatives.

We are very relieved to be able to report that the chemo has been extremely successful and that Puppy – after being spayed- has been returned to her owners. She has no more tumours and can see perfectly well with both eyes. By now we have successfully treated two stray dogs, all of whom reacted very well to the treatment.

October 19 - Dogs rescued during Dasain festival

AN editor

Dasain festival is always a busy time for the rescue of discarded injured or sick dogs. When the festival is approaching, people drop unwanted dogs (including unweaned puppies) on the street in order to clean up the house. This year we rescued one puppy with a dislocated hip, called Asha.

When driving to our Chobar sanctuary we noticed a dog on the side of Ring Road who seemed to have died. When we approached the lifeless body, the dog actually wagged its tail! Nana suffers from an ear wound, malnutrition and dehydration but is believed to be able to survive his ordeal.

We also rescued a survivor of distemper, who has permanent neurological damage. Only after one month of intensive treatment will we know if the damage is reversible.

October 1 - Swiss volunteer vet joins our team

AN editor

Swiss vet Ramona Deiss arrived a few days ago to join our team for four months. Ramona studied Veterinary Science at Bern University and has worked in shelters for around six years. An ardent trekker and mountain biker, she chose Nepal not only for its widespread animal abuse but also for its natural beauty.

Ramona is interested both in livestock and small animal medicine, but first wants to get a hands-on experience of working in stray dog and working donkey programmes in Nepal. We are very happy to have Ramona and wish her a wonderful time working with us.

October 8 – One more rescued donkey passes away

AN editor

Animal Nepal today once more had to deal with some sad news. Despite great efforts by our vets to save her, Nanu passed away in the evening of the 9th. Only a few weeks ago Benji , another much loved resident at our Donkey Sanctuary, passed away. This means that of the eight donkeys we rescued from Kavre, a place where an estimated 55 donkeys died in the rainy season of 2009, only four are still alive.

The surviving donkeys where in a bad state when they arrived, but improved gradually and were enjoyed their new lives at the sanctuary. After we lost four ‘Kavre donkeys’ we realize their condition was a fragile one from the beginning. During post mortem it was found was that both Benji and Nanu had stomach ulcers which acted like ticking time bombs. They also suffered from deterioration of the lungs (due to peritonitis and TB).

We feel sad and frustrated that we could not give Benji and Nanu a few more happy years at our sanctuary! We pray the health of the four surviving donkeys will further improve so they can live a comfortable old age at our shelter.

Hundreds of Students Join Walk 4 Animals

AN editor

October 4, 2010 - Today hundreds of students joined Animal Nepal's rally to celebrate World Animal Day.

“Unchain your dog”, “Animals look up to you, don’t let them down” and “Animals feel pain like you”. These are some of the slogans that could be seen during a Walk 4 Animals.

Hundreds of students and animal lovers walked from Patan to Kathmandu to raise funds and awareness for animals. At the finish, at GAA hall, Pramada Shah and Rita Limbu spoke about the importance of creating a cruelty free society. Students from Ullens' School performed a play and introduced a new song. The Animal Welfare Network Nepal honoured the winners of the article writing competition'Dukha euta ho, ragat pani': Bishwa Poudel, Sambinda Shrestha, Govinda Sudebi and Roshan Shrestha.

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. That is why on World Animal Day we want to launch a movement for animals led by students. Respect for animals is a basic requirement for a just society.”

The rally raised NRs 200,000, which will be used to improve the living conditions for sick and injured animals at our shelter, Animal Nepal wants to thank sponsors Green Ventures, Samsung, Nepal Sri Bank and Rio, as well as Shristi Shrestha and friends for organising the Walk 4 Animals.

Older posts

2012-01-19T08:02:00.000-08:00

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.

Animal Nepal honours ‘clean and green’ brick producer

2011-01-28T04:42:00.000-08:00

Kathmandu, January 27, 2011 – Animal Nepal today honoured Mr Indra Tuladhar from Bungamati Itha Udyog for producing ‘clean and green’ bricks using Chinese technology. The animal welfare organization urges other brick producers to follow the example and eliminate environmental pollution as well as the exploitation of working children and equines. “The industry has the technology and the resources to stop the production of ‘blood bricks’; all it needs is the right kind of motivation,” said Krishna Singh, programme manager at Animal Nepal.

Animal Nepal’s gesture is supported by Dutch Party for the Animals member Martin Schoenmakers. Together with Animal Nepal Volunteer Director Lucia de Vries he offered a certificate and gifts to the clean bricks producer.

The Bungamati brick factory in 2019 introduced Chinese automated brick making machinery. Instead of being seasonal the factory now produces bricks all year round and no longer employs migrant workers, children and donkeys. The bricks are transported by electric carts. Although the process is not yet completely environmentally friendly, there is a great reduction in emissions. Bungamati Itha Udyog is one of the three factories in Nepal using this technology.

Enterpreneur Tuladhar was motivated to clean up his factory when learning about the new technology. He says the brick industry suffers from labour problems, animal abuse and environmental pollution. The contracted workers at the improved kiln earn a fixed salary and no longer face hazardous work conditions.

Animal Nepal since 2008 reaches out to around 500 equines (mostly donkeys) working in brick kilns in Kathmandu Valley. There is relentless pressure to over-work and overload animals. Life expectancy for these animals is short and most donkeys suffer from serious health conditions problems.

In order to help make buyers make the rights choices, a network of NGOs active in environmental protection, children’s rights and animal welfare, including Animal Nepal, have joined hands to promote a responsible brick-making industry. They are introducing a certification system that will provide brick factories with a red, orange or green label.

Animal Nepal urges the brick industry to clean up its act and stop the production of ‘blood bricks’. “Brick kilns are the number one polluters in the Valley and employ countless children and donkeys to do the dirty work. Both issues can be addressed by introducing new technologies such as Vertical Shaft Brick Kilns or automated machinery,” says Krishna Singh.

Animal Nepal exposes illegal puppy trade to India; rescues 42 puppies

2010-12-11T22:54:00.000-08:00

Kathmandu, December 10, 2010 – Thousands of Nepalese stray puppies have been sold as ‘Himalayan breeds’ in India in the past decade. This was found when Animal Nepal and Roots and Shoots exposed the illegal trafficking of Nepalese dogs to India by rescuing 42 puppies last night. The puppies were destined for Sonepur Mela, Asia’s largest animal fair, held annually in Bihar. The organisations call for stricter law enforcement and request Nepalese families to come to the rescue by adopting one the puppies.

Animal welfare groups for some time suspected that illegal trafficking of Nepalese puppies to India was going on but were unable to expose the trade. Traders collect stray puppies from the streets of Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur districts and promote them as special Himalayan breeds in India. It is estimated that in the past decade thousands of mixed breed dogs have been sold as pure breeds across the border. Exporting any life animal without official documents is illegal under Nepalese law.

Indian traders Mohammed Sagir, Aka Kallu Miya, Mohammed Ali and Mohammed Nasin, when reporting at the police, said that in the past years they were never asked any questions by Nepalese or Indian authorities. Some of the traders were arrested for bird smuggling in the past but were released as the police deemed the confiscated bird species not important enough for prosecution.

Last night 37 puppies were rescued from a bus ready to depart from Kalanki bus station while five more were taken from the traders'. They are presently being treated at Animal Nepal’s Chobar Sanctuary. According to Managing Veterinarian Dr Surendra Basyal the condition of the puppies is appalling. “Some of the puppies are not properly weaned. Some are as young as three weeks. When we opened the jute covered cages the puppies were totally wet from sweating. One was squeezed to death while three died overnight. I cannot imagine that any of them would have survived the long journey to Sonepur.”

The puppies will have to be monitored and hand fed for at least four weeks. Animal Nepal says volunteers will be needed to help out with the care.

Roots and Shoots in the past has exposed the growing bird trade in the region, including the trafficking of protected owl species. “The Nepalese dog export in fact funds international bird trafficking. Traders use the stable income from dog sales to buy protected, rare birds and embark on riskier forms of trafficking,” says Manoj Gautam.

Nepal is one of the few countries in the world without an animal welfare law. The breeding and selling of companion animals goes unmonitored and is conducted mostly by unregistered companies.

The Sonepur Mela of Bihar is organized every year in the Hindu month of Kartik (November/December). Indian welfare campaigners have their long voiced concerns about the fair. India’s Environment and Forests Minister Jairam Ramesh recently expressed doubts about the future of the disputed fair.

Xena's new leash on life

2010-11-05T22:52:00.000-07:00

Margaret and Laurence Becker from Australia during their stay in Nepal rescued countless dogs. In some cases Animal Nepal was able to assist them with vet or transport services. One such case was that of Xena, a malnourished, limping puppy who blossomed into a beautiful, healthy adult. This is what Margaret and Laurence write:

"Xena came to our attention when a friend noticed that the three moth old stray pup's ears living not so far from our house looked somehow different. Upon closer inspection she realised that Xena was covered in ticks. In addition she had wounds on her back legs and she limped indicating a vehicle accident at some stage. Given that this puppy was born in a very busy area we decided to call her Xena because she had thus far survived the odds and was still alive! The name comes from the TV series about a female warrior princess. Xena definitely is a feisty girl, a survivor!

Xena had her first trip in a taxi to he Mobile Vet Clinic at Jawalakhel where she was treated for ticks. What a relief for her! I then contacted Lucia at Animal Nepal who suggested we take Xena to the Chobar Sanctuary for spaying and vaccinations. This was Xena's second ride in a taxi where she happily curled up on the floor at my feet and slept for the journey!

Five days later I received a call from Animal Nepal to say that Xena would be arriving that evening at Patan Dhoka. Laurence and I waited excitedly for the jeep to arrive and when it did Xena jumped out from the back and ran into our arms. This reunion certainly attracted a crowd!

We are pleased to report that Xena has been accepted by the locals and that she is well fed. She is also part of the large dog community at Patan Dhoka and is often seen playing with other pups.

She certainly knows her name and comes running when we call her. She has a beautiful nature and is very loving and it is a joy to see her whenever we are at Patan Dhoka.

Thanks to Animal Nepal Xena has been given the chance of a rabies-free life and will never have the burden of puppies.

We wish her a safe and happy life."