Residents of Mavoko Sub County have been warned against mistreating donkeys.
The warning was on Thursday issued by a local veterinary officer from the region who said the rate at which majority of the residents were mistreating their donkeys was alarming.
Edward Otachi, a private veterinarian in Athi River town told this writer that he had watched locals mishandle their own donkeys including those under their care for a long time.
"I have watched the locals mishandle donkeys in Mavoko Sub County for a long period, it is like the trend is becoming a fashion among the residents apparently," said Otachi.
Mr Otachi said the locals did not appreciate that the animal was helping them a great deal arguing some of those who mistreat their donkeys earn daily livelihoods from them.
He said such people whip their donkeys especially those used to ferry water in towns like Mlolongo, Athi River, Joska and Syokimau towns as they vend the commodity the whole day.
Otachi cautioned the people against the crime and advised that the trips made by the donkeys to ferry water in a single day be reduced so as to allow them have time to rest.
He said the animals should also be fed well at day time and rest in the night instead of misusing them the whole day only to allow them feed in bushes at night thereby risking their safety.
Otachi said he will personally take legal actions against those who keep mistreating donkeys in the region.