Protecting Zanzibar’s dogs and communities

Ali Hemed Sueleman is known by everyone in and around his village, Kianga (meaning river), as “Shabuta” his boyhood name.

Shabuta has lived on his farm for nearly 50 years. He grows crops and fruits, but mainly keeps cattle on his 40 acres (very sizeable for a farm on Zanzibar) making him a very important client for the veterinary team who have been visiting him for 20 years.

When the veterinary team arrived at Shabuta’s farm he is keen to show off his six beautiful dogs.

Shabuta has always kept dogs; partly to help him manage his land but also because they are treasured companions - particularly now that his children have grown up and left home.

Sadly, Shabuta has been affected by rabies twice in the past. Both times he recognised the signs immediately as the dogs were salivating a lot, chasing people and behaving very oddly. He had to call the police as he was afraid for his life and the dogs were shot.

Now, thanks to your support, all of Shabuta’s dogs are vaccinated against rabies and safe from being culled.

Shabuta knows from experience how bad rabies can be, so he ensures that his dogs are kept up to date with their immunity  and encourages others to do the same as his dogs are very important to him.

Before the team left Shabuta collected some fruit and spices which grow on his land to give to the vet team to show his appreciation.