Brooke Vet Intervenes After Owner Paints His Donkey
8 years ago 
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Animal welfare charity Brooke – Action for Working Horses and Donkeys has intervened following the recent release of shocking photos showing a donkey painted purple by its owner in support of a Kenyan political party.
Brian Murithi from Buuri painted his donkey with the Jubilee party colours and symbols and led it through Maru town centre to try to attract support for President Uhuru. It was flagged to the charity through Twitter, and the Brooke team in the U.K. passed on the report to Brooke East Africa.
Brian was visited by Brooke East Africa staff alongside members of the KSPCA and KENDAT to explain the consequences the paint could have on the donkey’s health.
Brooke vet Dr James Kithuka has since visited the donkey for follow up checks to ensure he is recovering from his ordeal, he said: “As an animal welfare charity we try to educate owners on the importance of caring for their horses and donkeys to ensure they live happy and healthy lives. The paint could have serious health implications and make the donkey ill.
“As soon as we heard the news we tracked down the owner to explain to him the harm he has caused to his animal and have shown him how to care for his donkey properly. I am pleased to report that the donkey is recovering well and slowly returning back to his natural colour.”
Mr Murithi has written a public letter of apology addressing the issue and promising to not to repeat his actions. Brian wrote: “They have taken the time to explain the effects of my actions to the donkey’s welfare and have I understood and have apologised for the act. I will slowly take the donkey home,”
Brooke is an international animal welfare charity working to improve the lives of working horses, donkeys, mules and the people who depend on them. Visit www.thebrooke.org for more information.
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