Devon animal worker helps launch life-saving clinic in Sri Lanka

A veterinary care worker from Devon has returned home after helping to establish a life-saving animal clinic in one of Sri Lanka’s most remote and neglected regions.

Liam Bassett, 24, from Exeter, travelled to the Yala safari region in January 2026 to join forces with the UK and Sri Lankan charity Lucas Helps Dogs.

The area is known for its high population of street dogs and cats, many of which suffer from starvation, disease, and injuries due to a total lack of local veterinary facilities.

Mr Bassett, who was on his first overseas mission, was part of a ten-strong team of European volunteers who self-funded their travel to ensure that all public donations went directly toward animal welfare.

Working alongside 15 Sri Lankan veterinary professionals, the group operated a three-day "pop-up" clinic to provide urgent medical aid.

The team treated 175 animals, performing spay and neuter surgeries and administering rabies vaccinations, which the charity said protects both the animal population and local communities. They also provided life-saving cancer treatments and hernia surgeries.

Describing the conditions on the ground, Mr Bassett said: "It was a very intense environment. Many of the dogs and cats were in a horrific state, suffering from severe mange, starvation, and open wounds filled with maggots. But that didn’t deter me. I just went straight into action."

In addition to medical support, Mr Bassett took on a lead organisational role, managing drug administration and overseeing the humane handling of the animals.

Alena Warburton, the founder of Lucas Helps Dogs, emphasised that the mission was about creating sustainable change rather than offering temporary relief.

"Short-term fixes don’t work," she said. "Spay and neuter clinics are the only proven, humane way to reduce suffering long term. What this team achieved in Yala shows what’s possible when local vets, communities, and committed volunteers come together, and it’s why we’re already planning to return."

Following the success of the January trip, the charity has confirmed plans for a larger-scale clinic in February 2027.

Lucas Helps Dogs is now calling on veterinary professionals to volunteer their time and is seeking UK-based supporters to help fundraise for the upcoming mission. The charity suggests that everything from personal challenges to community events can help sustain their work in the region.