Almost a year has passed since the devastating floods in Pakistan. The animal welfare organization, the Brooke, continues to help working horses, donkeys and mules, as they play a vital role in rebuilding the country.
The Brooke treated more than 10,000 equine animals in the immediate aftermath of the floods and provided fodder, drinking water, veterinary treatment and vaccinations – safeguarding people’s livelihoods for the future. Most animals were suffering from hunger, dehydration, stress, respiratory disorders, skin and foot problems.
“We were the only organisation specifically helping horses and donkeys at the time. The need for our services was extremely high. We rushed to help the working horses, donkeys and mules affected by the floods and have been helping them ever since,” said Mohammad Farooq Malik, Chief Executive for Brooke Pakistan.
Reconstruction is well underway, placing increased pressure on the hundreds of thousands of equine animals, particularly donkeys working in the country’s brick kilns.
It is estimated the floods destroyed over 300,000 acres (1,200 km2) of fodder crops and prices for feed rocketed, making it difficult for owners to feed their animals.
The Brooke has continued to work closely with animal owners to offer long term support. It is providing veterinary treatment and helping owners prevent disease and prepare for emergencies.
“After the floods, the Brooke worked to strengthen local animal welfare provision, training community-based animal health workers, farriers and veterinary service providers to deliver services.
Now, as the monsoon season again approaches, the Brooke is advising owners how to look after their animals when floods are forecast,” says Dr Rab Nawaz, Brooke Veterinary Officer.
The Brooke is an international animal welfare organisation dedicated to improving the lives of working horses, donkeys and mules in some of the world’s poorest communities, providing veterinary treatment and programmes across Africa, Asia and Latin America.
In the last year, the Brooke reached more than 900,000 working horses, donkeys and mules, benefiting around four million of the world’s poorest people. The Brooke’s goal is to increase the number of working animals it helps to two million a year by 2016.
HRH The Duchess of Cornwall has been the Brooke’s President since 2005.