Educating owners

Community training is some of the most significantly proactive work undertaken by SPANA. This involves working with animal owners to address the root causes of welfare problems, rather than simply treating issues after they have arisen.

The programme includes training in basic animal care skills, as well as facilitating community-led projects, such as harness production. Through this programme, SPANA aims to change attitudes and behaviours, promoting the sustainable and humane treatment of animals and reducing preventable problems and the need for veterinary services. In practical terms, this might involve running workshops around better ways to harness to control their animals (thereby eliminating the use of sticks or whips), or running a bit exchange, in which owners are encouraged to replace their old, rusty bits with humane ones that cause horses no pain. In addition, SPANA runs a humane education programme to help schoolchildren overseas — the working animal owners of the future — to develop feelings of compassion, empathy and respect for animals. This programme is helping to bring about long-term improvements in animal welfare.

Working equines play an integral role in maintaining the livelihoods of some of the world’s poorest communities, but their efforts and economic value often goes unnoticed. That’s why I’m so passionate about SPANA’s work, which provides this silent workforce with the vital care they need and deserve.

“SPANA helps children overseas develop compassion and respect for animals”