Education Officer Anna Cowling and Dog Rehomer Amy Burgess from Wood Green Animal Shelters swapped Christmas at home with their families to feed, worm, vaccinate and treat cats and dogs in the fishing town of Negombo, situated on the West coast of Sri Lanka, just North of the capital Colombo.
Anna and Amy worked alongside Home and Abroad Animal Welfare to provide care and treatment to the local animal population, both owned animals and strays. They also taught young people basic animal welfare and built on the animal welfare education work carried out across the UK.
Throughout the trip, the duo delivered lessons and outreach sessions to hundreds of children and adults, not to mention rescuing dozens of animals from the roadside in need of veterinary treatment.
Anna (35) of Deighton Close, St Ives, said: “We spotted Fred lying lifeless in the middle of the road. He had just been run over and was very confused. His owner allowed us to take him to the clinic but there was little the vet could do so we took him back to our apartment to rest.”
However, after spending nights cuddled up with Anna and Amy, Fred pulled through and was rehomed to a family who sadly lost their dog on Christmas Day.
Anna said: “It was lovely to leave Sri Lanka knowing that we had given advice to so many people and were able to help many animals like Fred. Sadly there are so many more animals out there that are still without the treatment, food and water they so desperately need, everyday things we take for granted – the trip was truly life changing.”
Amy (24) of Fulney Lane North, Spalding, added: “Everyone was so welcoming and receptive of our teaching sessions. It was difficult knowing we left so many animals behind, but we are safe in the know that our good work will continue throughout Sri Lanka.”
