Lamu's Livestock department is concerned that donkey owners are flogging them, denying them food and overworking the animals.
Director for Livestock and Cooperative Development Jamila Mitsanze said at least 50 per cent of donkeys in Lamu are abused by their handlers.
Speaking in Lamu town on Friday, Mitsanze said the abuse was unfortunate as donkeys are crucial to local transport.
They are the main means of transport in Lamu Island and the rest of the archipelago.
Automobiles are banned to preserve the region’s culture and heritage as a Swahili settlement.
Mitsanze urged owners to ensure their donkeys are well taken care of, fed, treated and allowed to rest among other needs.
“We want to remind them that these animals have rights but most of all deserve love and care,” Mitsanze said.
County veterinary officer Felix Rachuonyo said they have been receiving at least four abused donkeys requiring urgent medical attention daily. Most cases are bruises and wounds caused by beatings or overloading.
“Our plea is for the donkey owners to care for their animals and stop the mistreatment. You would rather give away your donkey than mistreat it,” Rachuonyo said.
The Donkey Sanctuary Lamu centre senior vet Mohamed Swaleh urged residents to take advantage of the free medical services they offer.
The sanctuary which opened in 1987 takes care of sick, orphaned, old and abandoned donkeys.
It provides both inpatient and outpatient services for donkeys depending on the vet’s diagnosis.
“We provide all medical services for donkeys at no charge. We also advise owners on how better to care for their animals,” Swaleh said.
Lamu county has a donkey population of around 10,000.
