Photo supplied by BHS
BEVA Trust veterinary volunteers have now performed their 100th equine castration and healthcare check for horses deemed to be ‘at risk’. They volunteered their time and expertise for a series of charitable equine healthcare and castration clinics organised by the BHS, the latest of which was held in Northampton last week.
BEVA Trust has been working with the British Horse Society (BHS) and has been supported by Redwings Horse Sanctuary, Blue Cross, RSPCA, Horseworld and World Horse Welfare for the past year to support healthcare and castration clinics around the country. The aim is to open lines of communication with owners whose horses are deemed “at risk” through the provision of vaccination, subsidised castration, microchipping and, where appropriate, worming courtesy of Zoetis.
The fifth clinic in the series was held in Thrapston last week and was staffed by veterinary volunteers from the University of Nottingham. Seven veterinary students also went along for the day as an educational experience. 15 horses were checked and castrated, bringing the total number of castrations to date through the project to 113. In addition eight were registered for passports, making a total of 161 passports issued via the project so far.
Mark Bowen, Associate Professor of Veterinary Internal Medicine at the University of Nottingham and current BEVA President led the day. He said: “It was a great success and all surgery went very smoothly. Through the BEVA membership we were able to provide volunteer vets for the clinic.
Photo supplied by BHS
It gives them an excellent opportunity to take part in some practical surgery, while giving their time to help the welfare of horses.”
This is the third clinic that Heidi Janicke, Assistant Professor of Veterinary Studies, has volunteered in with BEVA. Heidi said: “These clinics encourage horse owners who have not previously recognised a need or obligation to have their horses castrated, or even microchipped and passported. The day went well – the vet students learned lots, the clients were happy and the horses were happy.”
The BEVA Trust is the British Equine Veterinary Association’s philanthropic arm, providing practical support for voluntary welfare projects. In addition to supporting the castration and healthcare clinics the Trust has provided volunteers for SPANA veterinary training initiatives in Africa for the past two years.
One further clinic is planned for this spring, to be held in the West Midlands. To find out how you can volunteer to support this exciting BEVA Trust project visit http://www.beva.org.uk/aboutus/BEVATrust/UKProjects
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