In the UK, we’re fortunate to have running water at our fingertips and food that can be delivered to our doorsteps. But many of the world’s poorest communities rely entirely on working animals to transport water and provide food, through ploughing and carrying produce to market.
Around the world, more than 200 million working horses, donkeys, camels and elephants do the jobs of trucks, tractors and taxis in developing countries. These animals are a lifeline for poverty-stricken families and ensure that basic necessities such as food and water are available.
But all too often, working animals lack the food, water and vital veterinary care they desperately need themselves.
At the animal charity SPANA (the Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad), we are carrying out emergency feeding programmes for malnourished animals, building water troughs for animals working in extreme temperatures and providing free veterinary treatment to sick and injured working animals in 28 countries.
On International Working Animal Day (15 June), please find out how you can show your support for these hardworking animals by visiting www.spana.org/workinganimals.
Dr BEN STURGEON
Director of Veterinary Services, SPANA
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here