RSPCA: Box-ing clever for animals

Friday, 9 December 2011 10:47 AM

Box-ing clever for animals

African animal clinic needs your help

Clinic in a Box is an exciting project by the LSPCA (Lilongwe Society for the Protection and Care of Animals) and supported by RSPCA International, to help set up a free, well equipped vet clinic in one of the lowest-income countries in the world.

The LSPCA is the first and only animal welfare organisation in Malawi; providing vital veterinary care for animals in low-income communities, which would otherwise never see a vet.

RSPCA International is currently raising funds and sourcing equipment in the UK to send out to LSPCA’s new, permanent veterinary clinic.

The clinic’s theatre is currently empty, so we are looking for donations of everything from an x-ray machine, anaesthetic machine and surgical instruments to lights and medicines. When all the essential equipment has been sourced, everything will be packed into a huge shipping container and sent from the UK to Malawi - literally a 'Clinic in a Box'!

TV vet and LSPCA patron Joe Inglis, said: “The LSPCA is a very small charity and the scale of the challenges they face in Malawi is enormous – which is why there is a desperate need for additional resources and funding to help them continue and expand their amazing work,”

“Once the ‘Clinic in a Box’ veterinary clinic is complete it will make a huge impact on the welfare of thousands of animals across this country. So, if you think you can offer help and support to this vital project, please get in touch.”

As well as providing practical veterinary care, the LSPCA also raises public awareness on animal welfare issues. Through collaboration with the police and government veterinary department, they are making real progress in reducing the problem of puppies and kittens being sold on the roadside, and chickens being carried by their feet on bicycles.

“RSPCA International has worked with LSPCA since 2008. Through their veterinary and public awareness programmes, LSPCA is now a significant force for animal welfare in Malawi – but they need our help both financially and through equipping their new clinic,” said Donnamarie O'Connell, senior programme manager for RSPCA International.

“Currently LSPCA’s veterinary care programme, including the spay and neuter clinics for dogs and cats and the farm animal clinics for goats, chickens and donkeys is delivered from a mobile clinic, which visits low-income communities. Conditions are very basic. Operations are generally carried out under a tent and with no access to electricity or running water. The heat, humidity, dust and lack of access to even basic diagnostic and monitoring equipment severely restricts the type of operations and treatment LSPCA is able to provide.”

The Clinic in a Box appeal has attracted high profile support from veterinary suppliers such as International Medical Supplies Euro, Dunlops, Dechra and other companies including the Co-op and Mars Petcare. Earlier this year the staff of Closer Magazine held a photoshoot to raise money for the clinic.

“We are so close to achieving our goal,” added Donna, “We need around £35,000 to buy the final big ticket items, like an x-ray machine and recovery pens. Alternatively,we would be delighted to receive second-hand equipment if a practice is upgrading equipment or a company has reduced cost end-of-line items.”

How can you help?

If you have a UK mobile, you can donate by text.. For example to donate £3, just text CARE33 £3 to 70070. You can donate £1, £2, £3, £4, £5 or £10.

Or you can also donate via our Just Giving page: www.justgiving.com/lspcamalawi

You can find out other ways you can help at:

http://lilongweclinic.blogspot.com/p/clinic-in-box.html

Notes for Editors:

For further information, interview requests and images (photos or footage), please contact the RSPCA press office on 0300 123 0244.

To find out more about the International department and/ or Clinic in a Box, contact Donnamarie O’Connell at lilongweclinic@gmail.com

RSPCA’s International department has over 150 years of international experience all over Europe, East Asia and southern Africa, for the benefit of animals and people in society, agriculture, industry and the environment. For more information go to: www.rspca.org.uk/international

Case studies:

Saving Grace

Chisomo ('Grace' in Chichewa, a local language in Malawi) was very sick when LSPCA's vet Dr Richard Ssuna saw her during an LSPCA clinic. She was close to death through malnutrition, and had a broken leg, but was still managing to feed four beautiful puppies.

Her family were not able to look after her, so gave her to LSPCA to care for.

Luke Gamble, a vet from the UK was visiting at the time and making a TV series called 'World Wild Vet'. Richard and Luke took Chisomo back to Richard's house to operate on her to remove her leg. They had to operate in Richard's garage, because LSPCA did not have a permanent clinic at the time. This meant the operation was much more difficult with no proper equipment or theatre. But it went well and Chisomo was soon up and walking on her three legs.

Happily, with lots of food and care from LSPCA, Chisomo made a great recovery and she and all her puppies were found loving 'forever homes'.

Grave Danger

The LSPCA were tipped off about two cruelly-treated dogs. What staff found on arrival was horrific. Two bags of bones, covered in fleas and lice, totally bald and motionless. They both used what little strength they had left to try and get away. Because of the abuse they had endured over the years, they had little trust for humans.

Since they had little energy left due to starvation, they could not run but resorted to snarling when the LSPCA workers attempted to catch them.

Although the LSPCA did not find the owner, it was revealed that these two were just about to be buried alive. The LSPCA workers even found a deep hole had already been dug in readiness.

They were taken to the quarantine site for rehabilitation. They were immobile and unresponsive to anything for the first two days but responded well to food.

Gradually with lots of love, patience and care, the two dogs - Buddy and Buster - soon started getting up and responding to their environment. They were dewormed, vaccinated and bathed. The mange, the wounds and the flies were all taken care of and soon their fur grew back!

Sadly Buddy had to be euthanized later for several medical problems as well as failure to socialise with both people and other dogs. Buster was adopted by a Norwegian family. His life history touched them and they could not resist the urge to provide a good home for him.

RSPCA, Wilberforce Way, Southwater, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 9RS
Press office direct lines: 0300 123 0244/0288 Fax: 0303 123 0099
Duty press officer (evenings and weekends) Tel 08448 222888 and ask for pager number 828825
Email: press@rspca.org.uk Website: www.rspca.org.uk
 

Tags:
• africa
,
• animal welfare