Working animals in times of crisis

In a crisis, animal welfare is often a low priority. Many do not recognise the crucial role animals play in rebuilding people's livelihoods.

But a horse, donkey or cow is often a family's most precious possession. So, when people are badly affected by a natural disaster or caught up in conflict, SPANA acts quickly to tend injured animals and train local people to care for them.

This way, we ensure that disaster-hit families can get back to a life independent of help from the outside.

SPANA's past work in Iraq, Darfur and East Africa saved tens of thousands of animals and protected the lives of the people depending on them.

SPANA's work in drought-torn East Africa

We never know when or where the next crisis will strike but, with your help, SPANA can be ready to dispatch emergency help wherever the need arises.

Spreading the word

SPANA is working hard to show just how important working animals are to the lives of people affected by war and disaster. There are signs that our lobbying on this is successful.

Last October, the Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees, Erika Feller, made an important speech setting out priorities for the UNHCR’s work:

“There is a close link between the health of working animals and that of their refugee owners. The ownership of a donkey can mean the difference between whether a child can go to school or not. Such dependence is often quite absolute and not to respect and protect this is to deprive refugee families of the means to sustain themselves.

Regrettably, this is rarely properly reflected in the development of livelihood initiatives and the priorities of donors.”

More about:

• Zimbabwe Emergency: Help us save donkeys harnessed in pain
• Families relying on working animals
• Success story: Chad
• How you can help

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