Rural Area Project Work: Mpwapwa District
Our work in the rural area included deworming and treating 200 working donkeys and sterilization of 50 dogs and cats plus deworming 100 dogs and cats

Each morning, we set up our operating theatre under a tree and conducted surgery surrounded by scores of fascinated locals. Not used to close human contact, the dogs resented restraint. The dog catcher (a previous donation from SNIP International charity in England) was an asset, coupled with Richard Itaba, our extremely capable and experienced Animal Field Officer. Not only did he make the work run smoothly, he was also great company.

Dr. Thomas is an excellent teacher; having completed hundreds of sterilizations in the name of animal welfare, he is a talented tutor, giving both direction and clinical freedom. Nowhere else, will you find a teacher as easy-going or patient.
Many children walked the distance to our clinics barefoot, presenting their puppies in cradling arms for veterinary attention not usually within their reach. As word spread, the numbers slowly grew. The appreciation was obvious and the need for this kind of care more than necessary. It is not a short-fall in husbandry that prevents these pets from being in tip-top condition. Amenities are difficult to find in the Mpwapwa area. Many dogs were under-nourished and presented with various parasitic infections; especially ticks and mange. Prophylaxis is not a reality.

The donkeys are used for carrying loads on their backs, mainly water cans, charcoal and foodstuffs such as maize. Donkeys were seen carrying up to 80kg of water, harnessed across the withers by means of abrasive rope or strips of fabric. The best form of harnessing we saw was that made of hessian material, comprising two sacks joined together and draped over the withers; still very abrasive. (View photos below)

Sterilisation around Dar es Salaam
Dar es Salaam has many dogs and cats including pets, guard dogs, and strays. TAWESO address health and welfare problems including s/n. We sterilized a total of 60 dogs and cats around Dar.

Conducting Humane Education in Primary Schools
We conducted Humane Education classes with primary school pupils on animal kindness and they were happy to share and learn about the basic needs of animals especially companion animals.

Summary
TAWESO is still in its infancy, with only two years under its belt and no major funding. There is wide room for expansion, to maximize the good work of the charity. Animal welfare laws have come into force only this year, but there is a long way to go; largely due to a lack of understanding and the means/materials to improve.

With further support and funding and the determination of Dr. Thomas and the small team at TAWESO, the charity aims to become full time and acquire the amenities and materials to dig deeper into the welfare issues of the communities it currently attends and reach further into the vast areas in desperate need of its support .

May 2010-TAWESO hosted the Global Vets 2010 Volunteer Programme. Volunteers Stacey, Allorina, and Jennifer all are students from Ontario Veterinary College in Canada.

The Global Volunteer vets 2010 were able to do various project activities. During the volunteers’ service, TAWESO was able to vaccinate 150 dogs and cats against rabies disease and de-worm them, to spay/neuter 30 animals, and to teach animal kindness in primary schools. All these services were given at no charge. Please view the photos of the program on the upper right side of this page.