Lightening the load on animals

AS A nation we’re walking less today than ever before. Busy lives and high levels of car ownership mean fewer people in Britain are choosing to travel by foot, and new research shows that almost 40 per cent of adults are not prepared to walk more than a mile to get somewhere.

However, for working animals in developing countries, arduous journeys are a daily reality. Around the world, more than 200 million working horses, donkeys, camels and other animals must walk long distances every day, pulling backbreaking loads in sweltering temperatures.

By transporting goods and people – and doing the jobs of trucks, tractors and taxis – these animals help the world’s poorest people to earn a small income.

But, despite their vital role and the often gruelling journeys they make, the sad fact is that very few working animals have access to veterinary treatment when they are sick or injured.

That’s why SPANA is asking everyone to get behind International Working Animal Day (June 15).

We believe that all working animals should live a life free from suffering, provided with the veterinary treatment they desperately need. If your readers agree, I kindly ask that they show their support by visiting www.spana.org/iwad.

Geoffrey Dennis Chief Executive, SPANA (the Society for the Protection of

Animals Abroad)