Toward the end of last year our vet, farrier, Welfare Office and visiting dentists treated almost 30 donkeys in villages on the island. Our Office Manager arranged with the local Mukhtar (mayor of the village) and the owners, to bring their donkeys to the village squares for what we've nick named a 'Well Donkey Clinic'. Teeth and hooves were trimmed and checked, a worming paste was given as well as a treatment for external parasites.

Quite often, as many of these donkeys don't receive regular treatments, it can take longer for each animal to be treated as more work needs to be done. An example is shown here where overgrown teeth were cut back and the teeth then rasped so the donkey could eat more easily and was much more comfortable in his mouth. A €2 coin was used to show how big the overgrowths were. Don't worry, it doesn't hurt! The donkeys are much less bothered than we are!

It's hard work for everyone involved and thanks go to those volunteers who do the paperwork, hold donkeys and try to get everyone organized (not always easy!). The most important thing for us, is to help the owners keep their donkeys healthy.