'Animal Nepal' highlights in August & September with both sad and good news: management dog population, rabies prevention, sterilisation, well done !

 

August & September 2025 Impact Report

August & September 2025 in numbers

Number of dogs treated = 99 Number of dogs spayed/neutered = 187 Number of cats spayed/neutered = 7 Number of Anti-Rabies vaccination given = 254 Number of working animals treated = 96 Number of animal welfare classes delivered = 6

It’s been a particularly busy few weeks for our team, so this issue brings together our August and September highlights. From rescues and outreach to new beginnings at our centers, we’re excited to share what we’ve been working on and the stories that continue to inspire us every day.

An uncertain time for Nepal, its people and animals

September brought unprecedented upheaval to Nepal. It began with a government-imposed social media ban, followed by Gen Z–led protests against corruption on September 8. The following day saw state violence, destruction, and looting, leading to the fall of the former government. In the aftermath, an interim administration has been formed with a mandate to hold elections within six months. Amid the chaos, countless animals were stranded, injured, or killed as fires swept through homes and public buildings. During this time, Animal Nepal was granted movement through our ambulance service, allowing us to carry out vital rescues. Some of the dogs we saved are still recovering in our care. Although Nepal is beginning to stabilize, uncertainty persists. The economy has been deeply shaken, and rising costs for food, medicine, and veterinary supplies are expected. We are closely monitoring the situation and building reserves to ensure we can continue caring for the animals who rely on us most. A heartfelt thank you to our partners Help Animals India for their steadfast support during this period and for providing emergency funds that helped us continue our work without interruption.

World Rabies Day: Animal Nepal Leading the Way in Rabies Prevention and Management

Rabies remains a serious threat to both animals and humans in Nepal. Through our humane dog population management programs and targeted interventions, Animal Nepal is at the forefront of rabies prevention, education, and community engagement in different parts of the country. Our work spans Kirtipur, Lumbini, Mahagadhimai, Lalitpur, Godawari, Bharatpur, and Gorkha, combining spay, neuter, and vaccination programs with rabies control initiatives. In 2025 alone, our team handled five rabies-positive cases — safely transporting the infected dogs, conducting laboratory tests, and carrying out post-exposure vaccination campaigns and community education. In the past, rabid dogs were often met with violence. Today, authorities and community members call on Animal Nepal for humane intervention—a testament to the impact of our work.  Our efforts are strengthened by research, which informs our strategies for prevention and elimination. Education and awareness campaigns ensure communities understand safe practices, while including cats in spay, neuter, and vaccination programs further reduces disease risk. We also work in remote regions like the Tsum Nubri Valley in Gorkha, where access to veterinary care is limited but rabies prevention is crucial. This World Rabies Day, we celebrate the progress in creating safer, healthier communities. From field interventions and vaccination campaigns to education, research, and humane animal management, Animal Nepal continues to set the standard for rabies prevention and responsible animal welfare in Nepal.

Launching nationwide training on animal welfare at police training academies

In August, Animal Nepal launched a nationwide initiative to strengthen animal protection by partnering with Nepal Police Training Academies across all 7 provinces of Nepal. As the frontline enforcers of law and order, the police play a critical role in ensuring the protection of animals.  Through this program, new police recruits are being trained on key aspects of animal welfare, including the legal responsibilities of protecting animals, how to respond to cruelty cases, and the importance of compassion in policing. The sessions combine law, ethics, and practical case examples, equipping future police officers with the knowledge and sensitivity needed to act on behalf of animals. By working directly with Nepal’s law enforcement institutions, Animal Nepal is helping to create a more accountable system where animal cruelty is taken seriously and addressed effectively. We believe this is a major step towards building a culture of respect, compassion, and justice—for both people and animals—across the country.

Humane Dog Population Management Program in Kirtipur Municipality

After successfully completing our spay, neuter, and vaccination program in Kirtipur Municipality Wards 9, 6, 4, and 5, we’re pleased to share that we’ve now begun work in Ward 2. Our goal is to complete all 10 wards of Kirtipur Municipality by the end of the year, reaching an estimated 800 dogs through this program. This ongoing effort is made possible with the generous support of our partners Edgard & Cooper Foundation, whose contribution enables us to humanely manage the street dog population while promoting healthier, safer communities for both animals and people.

The continuing cruelty of live animal transport in Nepal

In mid-September, a massive landslide in the Mugling highway left hundreds of vehicles stranded for hours. Among them were trucks filled with buffaloes destined for the slaughterhouses of Kathmandu—weak, injured, and suffering tremendously. When our team reached the site, we found 11 vehicles overloaded with buffaloes, many in heartbreaking condition. Some could barely stand; others showed signs of dehydration and exhaustion. Our team provided immediate relief—treating the weak and injured animals, offering water, and giving them grass. These small acts of care brought momentary comfort to animals enduring unimaginable suffering. As we continued our assessment, we made another disturbing discovery: two tourist buses carrying 13 and 15 goats each, hidden in the luggage compartments. Despite our attempts to intervene—pleading with drivers, providing food and space for the goats, and notifying the local police—no action was taken.  These incidents reflect a systemic issue in the transport of live animals in Nepal. Despite existing laws that prohibit cruelty and mandate humane conditions, enforcement remains weak, and thousands of animals continue to suffer every day on Nepal’s roads, more so during natural disasters. Animal Nepal continues to work closely with government officials and other stakeholders to bring an end to live animal transportation in Nepal. We are advocating for stronger enforcement, policy reform, and greater public awareness to ensure animals are treated with the dignity and compassion they deserve.

Markhu: Caring for our senior horse

Markhu, one of our senior horses, has been part of Animal Nepal’s sanctuary for almost 15 years. Recently, age has begun to take its toll. Markhu suffers from tendonitis in his front legs, and these old injuries are gradually worsening. Despite this, he continues to show a zest for life, a healthy appetite, and a gentle spirit that brightens the sanctuary every day. He is now on a carefully managed pain management plan to ensure his comfort and mobility. Caring for senior animals like Markhu is a testament to the crucial work we do at Nepal’s only working animal sanctuary. For many animals rescued from neglect or abuse, our sanctuary is their only hope for a safe and dignified life. We are deeply grateful to our partners, Animal Aid Abroad, whose support allows us to provide the best possible care for Markhu and others like him. Their generosity ensures that every horse, mule, and donkey in our sanctuary can live their later years with compassion, comfort, and respect.

Empowering Local Action for Animals — Despite Setbacks

On September 5, Animal Nepal handed over an Animal Ambulance to Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City. In a special program held in Nepalgunj, Animal Nepal President Shoba Rayamajhi presented the keys to Mayor Prashant Bista, with the support of World Horse Welfare, our long-term partners. The ambulance would have greatly improved the transportation of injured, sick, weak, or abandoned animals—ensuring timely treatment and care. By entrusting the ambulance to the local government, Animal Nepal reaffirmed its belief that sustainable, locally owned animal welfare systems are key to lasting change. Empowering municipalities to take direct responsibility for animal rescue and care remains central to our mission. However, just a few days later, on September 9, the ambulance—parked at the municipality office—was destroyed in a fire that broke out during the widespread unrest in Nepalgunj, along with other government buildings and properties. While the loss is deeply unfortunate, our commitment to supporting Nepalgunj Municipality and improving animal welfare services in the region remains steadfast. We will continue to work together with local authorities and partners to rebuild and restore essential rescue services for animals in need.

Training the next generation of Veterinarians

In September, 34 final-year veterinary students successfully completed their internship program with Animal Nepal. The interns, from HICAST, join in cohorts of seven and spend one month with us, primarily at our Chobhar Dog Treatment Center as well as spending few days at our Dukuchhap Animal Sanctuary. During their internship, students gain hands-on experience with a wide variety of cases, from routine treatments to emergency interventions. They learn not only about medical procedures, but also about the importance of compassionate care and animal welfare, recognizing that veterinarians are at the forefront of protecting the rights and well-being of animals. At our sanctuary, they further their understanding of large animal care, particularly equines, which provides a unique perspective on working with animals of all sizes and needs. Over the years, Animal Nepal has trained hundreds of veterinarians, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and empathy needed to make a lasting impact on animal welfare across Nepal. We wish our interns all the very best in their careers and look forward to welcoming the new cohort next year!

Tiny but fierce Ma'am

Meet Ma'am, a little dog with a big spirit. Abandoned and battling a painful abdominal tumor, her chances looked slim when she first came into our care. But Ma'am showed remarkable courage. With surgery, treatment, and lots of love, she has made a wonderful recovery. Ma'am absolutely loves people—she’s affectionate, loyal, and happiest when she’s by your side. However, she doesn’t get along with other dogs, so she will need to be the only dog in her new home. Today, Ma'am is healthy, full of life, and ready to start a new chapter. She may be small, but her strength and resilience shine brightly. Now all she needs is a forever home where she will be cherished as much as she deserves.

Glanders outbreak among working horses in Nepalgunj

In August, there was an outbreak of Glanders among the working horses in Nepalgunj. The affected animals showed tell-tale signs of the disease, including high fever, coughing, nasal discharge with pus, ulcers in the nostrils, enlarged lymph nodes, and painful nodules or sores on the skin. Our team acted swiftly: the sick horses were all isolated to prevent further spread, and samples from 9 horses were collected and sent to the Surkhet laboratory for confirmation which all came back positive. Unfortunately, there is no cure for Glanders. It is a highly contagious and fatal disease that not only threatens the equine population but can also pose risks to humans. The only way to prevent its spread is through the humane euthanasia of infected animals, which can only be done with the consent and understanding of the owners. Our team is currently in close discussion with the horse owners, explaining the severity of the situation, the dangers of the disease, and the importance of taking responsible action to protect other animals and the wider community. For now, the horses remain in isolation as the owners are yet to give consent for their euthanasia. However, no new cases have been reported since.  At times like these, we are reminded that a compassionate and dignified death is also part of the service we provide. As painful as it is, it remains a reality of animal welfare work – to ensure that suffering is not prolonged, and that every life we touch is treated with respect, care, and humanity until the very end.

140 Cats spayed & neutered in Kathmandu Valley

Between June 2022 and August 2025, Animal Nepal successfully spayed and neutered 140 cats in the Kathmandu Valley. This is a remarkable achievement considering the shy and elusive nature of cats, which makes them extremely difficult to catch. Cats can become pregnant up to four times a year, putting them at high risk of overpopulation and poor welfare if not managed. This milestone would not have been possible without the dedication of community caregivers, who patiently feed and care for their neighborhood cats, gradually earning their trust and bringing them in for surgery. Unlike dogs, cats cannot simply be caught on the streets—it is virtually impossible without such support. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Help Animals India  for funding this initiative, and to our wonderful partners at Catmandu Lovers  for working alongside us to make it a success.

Rabies vaccination campaign in Bharatpur

In partnership with the International Veterinary Students' Association Rampur (IVSA Rampur), Animal Nepal conducted a rabies vaccination campaign in August, covering Bharatpur Metropolitan City Wards 11 and 12. Over the two-day program, we vaccinated 53 community dogs, helping to protect both the animals and the wider community from the threat of rabies. A huge thank you to all the dedicated volunteers and supporters who made this initiative possible. Together, we are taking meaningful steps toward a rabies-free community.

From Victims to Changemakers: Our Dogs Lead Groundbreaking Rabies Research

In August, 25 of our dogs contributed to a groundbreaking rabies research study, the first of its kind in Nepal. Led by Bhabishya Subedi, an intern veterinary student at the Central Referral Veterinary Hospital, the study will measure antibody levels in vaccinated dogs, compare vaccine brands used in Nepal, assess the need for booster shots, and—for the very first time—evaluate how effective rabies vaccines are in immunocompromised versus healthy dogs. Through this effort, the narratives of our dogs are being rewritten. No longer only survivors of cruelty and neglect, they are now pioneers in shaping science, advancing rabies prevention, and safeguarding the health of millions of animals and humans in the years to come.Those who once suffered the most are now the ones helping the most—and we could not be prouder of them!

Remembering Dr. Jane Goodall

Late last year, we were invited to spend time with Dr. Jane Goodall during her visit to Nepal. One of the most special moments was watching her form gentle connections with our beloved Aji, Barfi, Puntey and Saili during a Christmas themed photoshoot. That experience later helped Barfi and Puntey find loving homes with wonderful families. Our heartfelt thanks to The Jane Goodall Institute Nepal for making this unforgettable experience  possible.  Dr. Jane was a true friend to Animal Nepal. Over the years, she supported many of our campaigns - through her thoughtful letters, words of encouragement, and powerful public advocacy. When we jointly campaigned for a ban on the export of Rhesus monkeys from Nepal to US laboratories, she spoke passionately to senior officials, sharing her firsthand experiences of visiting such facilities and highlighting the suffering of the animals. Her support gave strength and credibility to the cause, eventually with the successful closing down of the program.  Jane spent most of her time travelling - tirelessly spreading her message of hope, compassion, and coexistence. Through her dedication, she touched countless lives and inspired generations across the world. Her light continues to guide us, and her legacy will live on in every act of service we extend toward animals and one another.

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