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Chris Packham with his dog Scratchy

Chris Packham with his dog Scratchy

Stars Show Their Support For Working Animals On World Animal Day

6 years ago
1659 views

Posted
4th October, 2017 15h04

Author
SPANA


A host of star names are speaking up for working animals and supporting the work of international animal charity SPANA on World Animal Day (4 October).

Chris Packham, Gemma Atkinson, Deborah Meaden, Jake Humphrey, Louis Smith and Pam St Clement are all calling for more to be done to improve the welfare of working animals in developing countries. Over 200 million donkeys, horses, camels, elephants and other working animals are used for trade and transport around the world, with few having access to even basic veterinary care. 

This World Animal Day, SPANA is highlighting the happy and healthy lives enjoyed by the majority of pets in the UK. The charity believes that all animals deserve the same care and compassion as our own much-loved pets – including working animals overseas.

SPANA, which provides free veterinary treatment to working animals in many of the world’s poorest countries, is asking pet owners and animal lovers in Britain to show their support and help prevent the suffering of working animals.

Around a billion of the world’s poorest people rely on working animals to do the jobs of trucks, tractors and taxis. Yet these hardworking animals often face gruelling lives, carry back-breaking loads in extreme temperatures, without basic necessities such as food, water and vital veterinary care.

SPANA’s celebrity supporters explain why animals mean so much to them and why working animals need our help:

Chris Packham said: “Animals bring me so much joy – I couldn’t imagine my life without my dog Scratchy. It’s easy to forget however, how they bring so much more than just companionship to millions of people around the world. Working animals in developing countries are relied on to help desperately poor families survive. That’s why I’m supporting SPANA and their work to build a better future for working animals on World Animal Day.

“Scratchy sleeps on my bed. I like that, I like listening to him snoring or shifting about in the dark, then I know he’s safe. The trouble is that when it’s really cold he wants to get in the bed... and have it all to himself. I get kicked out of the way and end up with a crick in my neck and an aching back. Still, he’s worth it, his happiness means more to me than my own!”

Gemma Atkinson: “This World Animal Day, please support SPANA and help ensure that working animals in developing countries receive the same kindness and care as our own much-loved family pets.”

Deborah Meaden: “On World Animal Day, I’m remembering not only all the beloved pets around the world, but also the working animals that communities in developing countries depend on for their livelihoods. I urge everyone to support SPANA’s work to help improve the quality of their lives, giving them the same care and attention that we give our animals in the UK.

Jake Humphrey: “We all know that most pets in the UK, like my labrador Myrtle are treated well and enjoy their lives. But sadly, around the world, too many animals live a life of suffering. Working animals in developing countries in particular often have a very hard existence – they toil day in, day out, and can face appalling conditions. It's a world away from my lazy Lab snuggled up by the Aga knowing their next big job is either to entertain the kids or be fed. Therefore, it’s important that more is done to improve their health and wellbeing. Please show your support for these animal heroes on World Animal Day.”

Louis Smith: “All animals deserve our compassion and care. In the UK, most people see their pets as treasured members of the family. But it’s a different story for many working animals in developing countries. These hardworking animals contribute so much, but they are often forgotten and neglected. On World Animal Day, please support SPANA and help ensure that working animals get the respect and the essential veterinary treatment they so urgently need.”

Pam St. Clement: “On World Animal Day, I am supporting SPANA in their work to improve the lives of working animals worldwide. These hardworking horses, donkeys and camels support the livelihoods of the world's poorest people but their reward is often a short, painful life in terrible conditions. They deserve so much more and it is vital that they get the food, water, shelter, rest and access to veterinary care that they need. As well as their owners receiving support and the knowledge that a healthy, happy animal will work better, live longer and be a greater economic asset.”

Started in 1925, World Animal Day is an annual international awareness day held on 4 October, which aims to raise the status of animals in order to improve welfare standards around the globe. 

For more information, visit www.spana.org/world-animal-day-2017


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