Dr Ebenezer Ogbonna
July 2009
Dr. Ogbonna is an experienced veterinary surgeon from Port Harcourt, Nigeria. He has been running his own veterinary practice for over ten years and is heavily involved with the local authorities in their work to improve the stray animal control situation.
Ebenezer commented on the situation in Nigeria:
“The dog population in Port-Harcourt where I live is about Five Thousand including all breeds. Among these numbers, we have a population of about two percent (2%) that are stray. Trapping and catching of stray dogs are mainly by manual use of locally made dog-catchers (a combination of iron pipe and knotted rope). However efforts are geared towards improving this method.
We do not have a standard system of identification of stray dogs at the moment. Currently, identification is by colour and breed and in rare occasion cutting of the car cartilage. Part of my effort is campaign for standardization of the identification process on my return from this training.
The main gain I hope to get from this training is to learn more about humane treatment and handling of animals (trapping, catching and housing), improve knowledge in operation procedures (spay, castration, tooth extraction and other minor surgeries); also effective running of a rescue and animal shelter, to be better informed in animal welfare and share same with the members of my community or colleagues on return to my country.
In addition, to organize better community services and campaigns against animal cruelty like the use of dogs for delicacy and to educate my community/colleagues to love animals more by keeping them in their houses rather than keeping the animals in cages or on chains all day.”
During the three weeks which he spent here he was able to learn about the use of gas anaesthesia, intubation and more efficient sterilisation techniques. Although competent in dog castration techniques it was clear that he would benefit greatly from the expertise of our staff when performing cat spays.
Ursula Goetz, Chief Veterinary Officer, commented on his visit:
“It was clear that the training which Dr. Ogbonna has received in Nigeria has focused principally on surgery rather than sterility and high levels of hygiene which was important to pass across.One has to recognise the differences between countries like the UK and a country like Nigeria to understand that there is a huge difference in the standard of education and animal welfare and cultural differences. Being aware of that we focused on clinical hygiene and basic surgical techniques which we hope Ebanezer will be able to take home and pass on to his colleagues. Whist participating in our IVTP it is always important to keep a good communication flow up between the IVTP and our veterinary team. We would love for Ebanezer to get involved into the animal welfare issues in his country in the near future.”
Dr. Ogbonna gave the following feedback at the conclusion of the course:
“The training I received here is unlike any other that I have experienced. The Mayhew vets are very knowledgeable and are excellent teachers in ensuring that I understand the best procedures. I am very happy that what I have learnt I will be able to implement well when I am back in Nigeria and I feel like I have learnt so much”.
We will continue to work closely with Dr. Ogbonna to ensure that our wish to improve welfare standards in Nigeria occurs.