The Arusha Society for the Protection of Animals (ASPA)
Bringing Relief to Tanzania's Hardworking Donkeys
Across rural Tanzania, thousands of donkeys endure exhausting labour, injuries, hunger and neglect. Through mobile veterinary clinics, shaded shelters, clean water and welfare education, we are helping these gentle animals live healthier, safer lives.
Why we help them
For millions of people across rural Tanzania, donkeys are essential for daily life.
They carry water, firewood, charcoal, crops and building materials across vast distances. Yet despite their importance, many donkeys endure exhausting workloads, harsh conditions and little access to veterinary care.
Without intervention, countless donkeys face preventable suffering every day.
What happens
Across markets, mining communities and rural villages, many working donkeys are exposed to:
- Heavy and often excessive loads
- Long journeys without food or water
- Painful wounds caused by poor harnessing
- Heat stress and dehydration
- Untreated illnesses and injuries
- Lack of access to veterinary care
In some regions, donkeys have been forced to scavenge from rubbish dumps, leading to illness, malnutrition and even death from ingesting plastic waste.
Many of these animals work tirelessly to support families and communities, yet receive little protection themselves.
How your support helps
Working alongside our partner, the Arusha Society for the Protection of Animals (ASPA), we provide practical, long-term solutions that improve donkey welfare across Tanzania.
Our work includes:
- Mobile veterinary clinics for working donkeys
- Treatment for wounds, infections and illness
- Deworming and vaccination programmes
- Emergency medical care for severe cases
- Shade shelters at rural markets
- Water troughs and clean water access
- Distribution of improved saddles and harnesses
- Owner education on humane donkey care
- Ongoing welfare monitoring and outreach
These interventions reduce suffering while improving the health and wellbeing of thousands of donkeys.
The crisis in Tanzania is not over
Despite important progress, the challenges remain significant.
Thousands of donkeys still work under difficult conditions across remote parts of Tanzania. Veterinary services remain limited, access to water can be scarce and many owners lack the resources or knowledge needed to provide proper care.
As climate conditions become more extreme and economic pressures increase, working animals remain vulnerable.
Continued support is essential to protect them.
How you can help today
Your donation can help us:
- Expand mobile veterinary services
- Provide medicines and medical supplies
- Build additional shade structures
- Improve access to clean drinking water
- Supply humane saddles and equipment
- Support welfare education programmes
- Reach more communities where donkeys need help
Every contribution helps ease suffering and improve lives.
You can make a difference
For many of these animals, even simple things such as clean water, shade, veterinary treatment and relief from pain can be life-changing.
Your support helps ensure that donkeys who spend their lives serving others receive the care and compassion they deserve.
Together, we can create lasting improvements in animal welfare across Tanzania.
ACT TODAY TO HELP SAVE LIVES
Our Work in Tanzania
Please note: Network for Animals (NFA) is involved in many projects to protect the welfare of animals. Thank you for your support.
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