A working mule navigating the dangerous terrain of the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco © SPANA
SPANA Highlights The Plight Of Animals Working In The Most Extreme Conditions This World Animal Day
2 years ago 
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On World Animal Day (4 October 2022), global animal charity SPANA (the Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad) is raising awareness about the plight of animals working in the most extreme conditions across the world.
Globally, more than 200 million working animals make it possible for poverty-stricken families to earn a small income and survive. By doing the jobs of trucks, tractors and taxis – and transporting goods, food, water and firewood – these horses, donkeys, camels, mules and elephants support the livelihoods of more than half a billion people.
However, many animals working in impoverished communities face tough conditions and hard lives, often carrying heavy loads in sweltering heat on rough or dangerous terrain. Thousands of animals endure exceptionally harsh environments and poor welfare. They often lack water, shelter and rest, have inadequate nutrition and unsafe equipment, and lack access to the veterinary care they need when they are sick or injured.
For instance, at the towering rubbish dumps of Bamako in Mali, working donkeys haul heavy carts up the steep slopes of rotting waste, at risk from metal and sharp objects underfoot. And in the dusty brick kilns of Rajasthan in India, working camels transport loads for hours on end in temperatures reaching 50 degrees, with no rest or shade from the intense heat.
SPANA is working to improve the lives of working animals across the world, including the animals at the Bamako rubbish dumps and the brick kilns of northern India. Last year, the charity provided veterinary care and vaccinations to more than 291,000 working animals in 28 low-income countries, along with lifesaving feed and water for animals in crisis situations. SPANA also delivered training in animal care to more than 87,000 owners, as well as teaching animal welfare lessons to more than 71,000 children, educating the owners and community leaders of tomorrow and helping to bring about long-term, lasting change.
However, the need for help remains huge and the vast number of working animals worldwide means that there are still millions that have no treatment or care available to them and lack the most fundamental requirements.
Linda Edwards, Chief Executive of SPANA, said: ‘Working animals perform vital roles in the world’s most impoverished communities, but they are often completely overlooked and many people are unaware about the extreme conditions they face.
‘Sadly, many working animals endure exceptionally tough conditions, often carrying heavy loads in sweltering heat across harsh terrain. Their welfare is often very poor and they lack access to essential veterinary care. This situation will only be worsened by the growing impact of climate change – extreme weather patterns, natural hazards and food and water shortages will be hardest of all on working animals and the communities they so loyally serve.
‘SPANA is committed to improving the lives of working animals in low-income countries around the world and the need for our work is greater than ever. So many working animals are in desperate need of help, but with your support we can ensure that animals receive the recognition, respect and vital care they need.’
Paul O’Grady MBE, Ambassador for SPANA, said: ‘Around the world, working animals endure extremely challenging conditions and are at severe risk from injury, exhaustion and disease. A vast, global workforce of donkeys, camels, horses, mules and oxen has an indispensable role supporting communities struggling to earn a basic living – but all too often the needs of these animals are neglected.
‘It’s essential that the welfare of these animals is looked after and this is why SPANA’s work is so important. SPANA is providing sick and injured animals with vital veterinary care, along with vaccinations to protect them. By advising owners on animal care, the charity is also ensuring that the lives of working animals are improving – with proper rest, shelter from the elements and adequate nutrition.
‘On World Animal Day, I urge all animal lovers to show their support for SPANA and the charity’s work transforming the welfare of working animals.
This World Animal Day, find out how you can show your support for working animals by visiting www.spana.org/worldanimalday.
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