Welcome to vnonline.co.uk

vnonline.co.uk provides the veterinary nursing profession with the latest news and industry developments, as well as events, resources, learning materials and careers.

Our website is dedicated to veterinary nurses and we strive to provide a platform where you can voice and explore your interests.

Not a member yet? Sign up for free!

Register for free with vnonline.co.uk to gain unlimited access to news, resources, jobs and much more!



Click here to become a member







Log in to vnonline

Forgot your password?

Posted: 29th August 2018

Study sheds light on mutilation of working donkeys
Researchers said the data can be used to create future educational interventions to reduce mutilation practices.(Stock photo)
Mutilation accounted for 62 per cent of all wounds in study population 

Urgent outreach work is needed to tackle the deliberate mutilation of working donkeys in India, scientists have said.

A new study published in Vet Record suggests mutilation by owners - including nose splitting, ear splitting and branding - were the most common skin wound, accounting for more than 62 per cent of all wounds.

Researchers assessed the health and welfare of 582 working donkeys from several communities that were part of a welfare initiative run by the Worldwide Veterinary Service in Tamil Nadu, India. They used data collected using a smartphone app between October 2016 and July 2017.

Just under 300 wounds were found in 227 donkeys, representing 39 per cent of the population.

Poorly fitting harnesses and hobbles were another common cause of injury.

Researchers said the data can be used to create future educational interventions to reduce mutilation practices. Outreach initiatives are urgently needed to improve donkey welfare in these regions.



Become a member
or log in to add this story to your CPD history