Help SPANA Improve the Welfare of Working Animals by Voting for Them in June’s Charity Poll

Since 1923, SPANA has worked to improve the welfare of working animals in some of the world’s poorest communities. There are around 200 million working animals around the world, including donkeys, horses and camels. The charity works in some of the poorest countries around the world, where animals are used to plough fields, and to transport people, goods and water. Often, these animals are the economical backbone for developing countries and are vital for livelihoods and in extreme cases, survival. Despite this, few of these animals have access to basic veterinary care. 

About SPANA’s Work

SPANA works in three different areas - treating, training and teaching - in order to inspire others to act in the best interests of working animals while finding professional, sustainable and practical solutions. 

Free Veterinary Treatment

For working animals, simple and treatable injuries can become fatal if they’re left untreated. Many of these communities don’t have access to veterinary care, and in those that do, owners often struggle to afford feed, equipment and medical care for their animals. Veterinary treatment from SPANA is often the animal’s best chance of survival, and in the last year, the charity provided 312k free treatments to animals in need. They provide a network of free clinics at SPANA centres in locations across the world, while mobile clinics are there to provide vital care in even the most remote and isolated areas. These clinics are able to vaccinate, treat injuries, and replace equipment that causes wounds to the animal. 

Animal Welfare Training

Many injuries to working animals are preventable if there is a basic knowledge of animal care, which is why SPANA offers animal welfare training in developing countries. In the last year, the charity trained 23.6k animal owners as well as over 2400 veterinary students. In addition, they also provided training for over 300 teachers, delivering education that can effectively transform the communities these animals work within. 

Working Animal Welfare Education

Since the very beginning, SPANA has worked towards a world where working animals are treated with kindness and respect. The charity provides fun and engaging sessions at their centres, as well as mobile exhibitions in order to teach children about working animal welfare. This includes developing knowledge about working animals, creating positive attitudes and teaching responsible behaviour. At their centres, children can also enjoy hands-on encounters with friendly donkeys, guinea pigs and rabbits in order to teach them the importance of showing kindness to animals. 

How You Can Help

It’s thanks to the generosity of their supporters that SPANA are able to provide free veterinary care to these working animals. During this difficult time, they are still working to improve the welfare of working animals in some of the world’s poorest countries, which is why we have teamed up with them for our June charity poll. 

Cast your vote for SPANA this June and help them to win 20% of this month’s profits. Find out more about their work, including how you can support them further, by visiting their website.