The World Donkey Day is being observed in the country today to raise awareness about the plight of these hard working animals, including their treatment.
Although there is no official program on this day in Nepal, non-governmental organizations have started celebrating the day.
Donkeys are used as beasts of burden and for transport of goods in agriculture, industry and other sectors. The day has been observed to raise awareness about the treatment, care and shelter of donkeys, who are injured and weak or in the last stage of their life.
Senior veterinarian Dr. Atish Kumar Yadav said that the number of rehabilitation centers in the world has also increased due to increased awareness about the need to protect the donkeys and their habitat management including treatment.
Donkeys have been traditionally used for transporting goods particularly in the remote hilly terrain of Nepal. They are also used for carrying bricks in brick kilns in the plains.
Animal Nepal, a NGO, has set up a donkey rehabilitation center in Lalitpur under the name 'Dukuchhap Donkey Sanctuary' to rescue, treat and care for donkeys left unattended on the roads.
Executive Director Hari Prasad Joshi said that the organization has been observing the day with a week-long related programs.
The rehabilitation center currently provides shelter and care to more than two dozen horses, mules and donkeys left unattended at the brick kilns in Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur. The center has technical and other staff including veterinarians for care and treatment of the animals.
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