Years before a decision is made to implement a livestock programme a holistic due diligence study is carried out, examining the feasibility and potential impact of the work. This is triggered when a partner approaches us looking to collaborate. At Bóthar all of our projects are partner led, which aligns with localisation and places the power in the hands of the Global South.
As experts in livestock development programmes we have our animals at the heart of every decision we take. We carefully consider their comfort during travel and the appropriateness of particular climates to each animal, and each animal to the local climate. Our primary concern is the ability of our implementation partners in supporting farmers when working with Bóthar animals. To this end a thorough training programme is carried out, covering animal husbandry and other key skills. Farmers are assisted in preparing their grazing units, nutrition, disease prevention and treatment, and food and water harvesting systems ahead of the animals arrival. To ensure the sustainability for all involved they are assisted for at least 3 years via veterinary advice and assistance.
The accountability to our animals comes full circle when we send photos of them with their new families in developing countries to the people in Ireland who have donated and cared for them, including our support groups across the country and the open prisons Loughan House and Shelton Abbey. To those Irish people who make our mission possible we are most grateful.
Please find further details on our animal welfare policy here: https://www.bothar.ie/sites/default/files/media/file-uploads/2019-02/BOTHAR-Animal%20Welfare%20Policy_0.pdf We welcome any queries or comments you may have at info@bothar.ie or on 1800 268 463.
