- The donkey hide trade is one that endangers their population in Kenya which is below 1.1 million
- As an individual what effort are you putting in conserving the environment?
Image: CHETI PRAXIDES
The world marks the Worlds Animal Day every 0ctober 4.
The day celebrates the importance of all the creatures in the world and was first marked in Berlin Germany in the 1950s thanks to the work of Heinrich Zimmermann.
He was a champion of animal rights and fought against their cruelty. Though the day was marked by few countries initially, it is currently marked by over 56 countries in the world.
Animals have been part of human lives for centuries and they are a critical part in the food chain of man.
From companion, working, food and wild animals, human benefit in a greater way than them and thus we should be appreciative and be kind to animals.
Offering care through preservation of their habitats and medical care are some of the ways we can show our compassion and care to them.
It is unfortunate that the event is being marked when the danger facing donkeys in Kenya is still lurking.
The donkey hide trade is one that endangers their population in Kenya which is below 1.1 million currently and the species need to be protected from the insatiable Chinese appetite.
This year’s theme was Forests and Livelihoods; sustaining people and planet.
Through to the theme KENDAT, donkey owner CBOs and partners marked the day by carrying out market cleaning, tree planting and donkey health check clinics in Nairobi and Nyandarua.
In Nairobi, market cleaning and garbage disposal in Athi was conducted and it was concluded with a donkey clinic.
The event was also used to raise awareness on responsible waste disposal for a healthy environment for both animals and humans.
The Nyandarua CBO organized a tree planting at Dundori forest with aim of restoring areas that have been affected by human activities.
This is in line with the CBOs aim of environmental conservation which is a key issue globally due to global warming.
A total of 2300 indigenous seedling from the group’s tree nursery was planted during the day and was attended by partners which included Brooke EA, FSK, KFS, Egerton University, CFS and community mostly the donkey owners.
It is through such small efforts that our forests, rivers and water catchments are conserved and thus ensuring healthy environment for people and animals. Donkey clinics were also conducted where over 100 of them benefitted from hoof care and deworming.
Additionally, the Nairobi donkey owners CBO cleaned Athi market and sensitized the on safe disposal of waste.
To signify the importance of the day the CBO used donkey cart to dispose the waste at designated points for burning.
During the event a 25 donkeys were dewormed during the health check clinic.
Awareness on rabies in animals was raised by the Nairobi county vet officials having in mind that last year there were cases within Kasarani sub-county.
In conclusion for a healthy planet, we must take responsibility in conserving environment so that each species of animal enjoys its niche.
The efforts the small community groups put in realizing this goal must be recognized and supported in any way possible in order to ensure there is a continuous progress.
As an individual what effort are you putting in conserving the environment?
Dr. Ronald Sang, Veterinary Officer, KENDAT