Please help to make a difference for many animals working in awful conditions

Dear Sir,

Working animals perform vital roles in the world’s most impoverished communities, but they are often overlooked and many people are unaware about the extreme conditions they face.

Across the world, more than 200 million working animals make it possible for poverty-stricken families to earn a small income and survive.

By doing the jobs of trucks, tractors and taxis – and transporting goods, food, water and firewood – these horses, donkeys, camels and elephants support the livelihoods of more than half a billion people.

Sadly, many working animals endure exceptional tough conditions, pulling heavy loads in extreme temperatures across dangerous terrain.

Their welfare is often very poor and they lack access to essential veterinary care.

This situation will only be worsened by the growing impact of climate change – extreme weather patterns, natural hazards and food and water shortages will be hardest of all on working animals and the communities they so loyally serve.

SPANA’S (the Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad) mission is to improve the lives of working animals in low-income countries globally.

The charity is providing lifesaving veterinary treatment to sick and injured animals, as well as training owners in animal care and teaching animal welfare lessons to children to bring about long-term, lasting change.

On World Animal Day (October

4), please visit www.spana.org/ world animal day and help ensure working animals – including those facing exceptionally harsh conditions – receive the recognition, respect and vital care they need. Yours faithfully,

Linda Edwards,

Chief Executive,

SPANA