"We will Remember them " What does courage mean when you have no choice?

 

Every horse remembered

Eight million horses, donkeys and mules died in World War I from shellfire and gas attacks, freezing mud, exhaustion, and mud-borne and respiratory diseases. Every November Brooke takes time to honour and reflect on the heroic struggle of working horses, donkeys and mules of the past and present, and help build better lives for future generations.

When our founder, Dorothy Brooke went searching for these forgotten heroes, she found walking skeletons working as beasts of burden, their hard labour keeping people in Cairo out of poverty. Supported by the generosity of the British public she was able to establish the Old War Horse Memorial Hospital, where Brooke’s story began.

Dorothy Brooke’s legacy flourished into the most far-reaching and effective equine welfare charity in the world today. It’s a devastating truth that horses, donkeys and mules still have to endure conditions like these every day. From the searing heat of brick kilns, to icy and treacherous mountains and rivers, these animals are working, supporting the lives of people around the world.

 Where were horses used in WWII?

Eventually, there was perhaps less for British horse owners to be concerned about, as only a few regiments had need for horses. British troops in Sicily and mainland Italy utilised mules for transport, most of them sourced locally. There were some exceptions: the Sherwood Foresters infantry regiment, for example, when they relocated to Palestine in 1939, brought with them a thousand English horses.

In 1942 the British employed 6,500 horses, a small figure compared to the 2.75 million and 3.5 million used by the German and Soviet armies. Thankfully, for British horses at least, mechanisation had saved many of them from the terrible fate their predecessors endured in WW1.  

Facts compiled with help from the Museum of the Horse.

How many horses, donkeys and mules died in WWII?

Unlike the 8 million figure for WW1, there is no definitive answer to the question of how many equines died in WW2. Estimates vary between 2-5 million.

We asked Caroline Baldock of Museum of the Horse, who in turn was able to draw on some expert historical advice from ex-cavalry officer Brigadier John R. Smales. After taking into account the use of horses by the German and Russian cavalry divisions, he estimates 3.25 million animals were lost by those two armies alone. When the other theatres of war are factored in, particularly the Mounted Brigade in Palestine, and the mules used in Burma and Italy, he arrived at a final estimate of 3.5 million.  

Image: Horse and cart stuck in mud in Russia during WW2 | German Federal Archive

40 years ago I lived in Austraiia:. The animal welfare organisations then, wanten een end to cuddeling of wildlife by tourists but 40 years on is s trill a top attraction

 

When you’re on holiday, it may be tempting to stop for a moment and take a quick snap with an animal that you found incredibly cute. But that little moment could cost them a lifetime of suffering.

You may not be aware of this but thousands of animals are being torn from the wild just so tourists can take selfies with them to post on social media.

Most tourists who take selfies with wildlife are usually animal lovers who want to interact with animals but have no clue about the cruelty that goes on behind the scenes.

So, during a once-in-a-lifetime trip, it’s understandable that they would want to take a snap with an elephant, an orangutan, or a dolphin for Instagram. But if they knew about the suffering these animals endure for the sake of a photo opportunity, they would surely put their phones and cameras away.

Taking a sloth selfie for ‘likes’ is endangering their lives

Sloths are quiet, docile, and more fragile than people think. Today, these iconic mammals of the Amazonian rainforest are being cruelly exploited for wildlife selfies with close or direct encounters in various tourist venues.

Baby sloths are ripped from their mothers to cater to the growing demand for sloth selfies. Since the mother sloths are fiercely protective, they are often killed in the process. Soon after, they are passed from the arms of one stranger to another at tourist venues, which most likely causes them severe stress, fear, and anxiety, and negatively impacts their mental well-being.

Most visitors are unaware of the pain sloths must endure daily since their faces may appear to be smiling, no matter what environment they are in. This is simply a result of their facial structure and gives absolutely no indication whatsoever of the emotions they are feeling.

It is extremely likely that poor handling, combined with poor nutrition and housing, all in the name of selfies, is a death sentence for the sloths trapped in the wildlife tourism industry.

Together, we can end wild animal exploitation for commercial gain and transform the travel and tourism industry to protect wild animals everywhere. And with your support, sloths can have a life in the wild, where they can thrive.

News from Gaza: Do you want to follow Dr. Ahmed Thabet 17 November at 11.00 BMT on Zoom ? Sign up to meet him and learn aout his work helping donkeys

 

What is it like to care for injured donkeys in Gaza? Join us for a special Zoom call with Dr Ahmed Thabet, who leads Safe Haven’s veterinary team in Gaza, to hear first-hand about the challenges his team faces and how your support helps the team treat donkeys in desperate need: Tuesday 17 November at 13.00 GMT You’ll hear directly from Dr Ahmed about his work, and anyone joining live can submit a question for him to answer. Sign up to meet Dr Thabet on our Zoom call Can’t make it? Please register anyway and we’ll send you a link to the recording to watch later. Thank you for being there for Gaza’s donkeys. We hope you can join us. Warm wishes, Wendy P.S. There’s still time to support our Gaza appeal to help Dr Ahmed’s team bring vital treatment to injured donkeys. Dr Ahmed Thabet will be joining us live from Gaza, to tell you more about our work helping donkeys in desperate need

News from Gaza: Do you want to follow Dr. Ahmed Thabet 17 November at 11.00 BMT on Zoom ? Sign up to meet him and learn aout his work helping donkeys

 

What is it like to care for injured donkeys in Gaza? Join us for a special Zoom call with Dr Ahmed Thabet, who leads Safe Haven’s veterinary team in Gaza, to hear first-hand about the challenges his team faces and how your support helps the team treat donkeys in desperate need: Tuesday 17 November at 13.00 GMT You’ll hear directly from Dr Ahmed about his work, and anyone joining live can submit a question for him to answer. Sign up to meet Dr Thabet on our Zoom call Can’t make it? Please register anyway and we’ll send you a link to the recording to watch later. Thank you for being there for Gaza’s donkeys. We hope you can join us. Warm wishes, Wendy P.S. There’s still time to support our Gaza appeal to help Dr Ahmed’s team bring vital treatment to injured donkeys. Dr Ahmed Thabet will be joining us live from Gaza, to tell you more about our work helping donkeys in desperate need.

Copyright © 2026 Safe Haven for Donkeys, All rights reserved. You were subscribed to the newsletter from Safe Haven for Donkeys Our mailing address is: Safe Haven for Donkeys Unit 23 More House Farm Business Centre Wivelsfield Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH17 7RE United Kingdom Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

In Gaza, Dr Ahmed, Safe Haven for Donkeys and his team help donkeys suffering from painful wounds, injuries and illnesses

 

Dear friends, Every day in Gaza, Dr Ahmed and his team meet donkeys suffering from painful wounds, injuries and illnesses. These animals carry food and essential supplies through incredibly difficult conditions. And they desperately need vet care. Between June and October, the team registered 122 new cases and made 295 follow-up visits. October was their busiest month yet. Behind those figures are individual animals who needed someone to help. And this week, I’d like to share a few of their stories, and thank you for making this vital work possible - through your regular gifts and your donations to our Gaza appeal. With warmest wishes, Wendy Safe Haven UK Office P.S. You will be receiving an email on Sunday to invite you to a very special online video call with Dr Ahmed on Tuesday 17th at 13.00 GMT so you can hear first hand how your support is saving lives. If you'd like to register now, please follow this link. An update from Gaza When this female donkey came to see our vet team, she had been suffering from colic for three days. She was clearly uncomfortable and hadn’t been able to pass any dung for 48 hours. Dr Ahmed and his team gave her fluids before gently examining her. They discovered a large amount of swallowed plastic packaging, along with pieces of rope and even a short length of metal wire. The donkey was given fluids for her colic while the team provided treatment. As they carefully removed the material, her relief was almost immediate. She could finally pass dung again and was soon comfortable enough to leave their care. Thanks to your support, our team was there when she needed help. Healing takes time, especially when an animal keeps irritating a sore patch. For this eight-year-old donkey, biting at a painful knee wound had made the injury worse. This donkey was treated for a painful knee wound. Over eight visits, our team patiently cleaned and treated the wound. Little by little, they began to see an improvement. By 1st November, it was healing well enough for her treatment visits to end. Her caring owner, who had been doing her best to help, was given advice on stopping her from biting the area while it continued to heal. Dr Basal bandages the donkey's knee to provide relief.  It’s hard to understand how anyone could deliberately hurt an animal. Sadly, this female donkey suffered a knife wound when her owner became involved in a dispute with another man. Our team carefully cleaned and stitched her wound, and gave her antibiotics to treat the infection. When it didn’t heal as quickly as they had hoped, they continued tending to it during follow-up visits. This poor donkey suffered a knife wound - but with your support she's now back to full health. As you'll see above, she soon made enough progress to be discharged from our care. After such a distressing experience, your kindness helped give her the treatment and attention she needed. Dr Ahmed feels a close connection to all the animals his team provides treatment to. Every story here begins with a donkey who needed help. Your generosity means Dr Ahmed and his team can be there to provide vital treatment and pain relief to injured animals. Thank you for helping bring comfort to donkeys living through such difficult times. Thank You   With your help, our team in Gaza can treat painful injuries, support recovery and help owners keep their animals healthy. Your kindness also provides care for rescued donkeys at our sanctuaries in Israel and the West Bank, as well as supporting our other veterinary teams reach working animals across the West Bank and Egypt. Thank you for helping donkeys and giving them the chance of living healthier, more comfortable lives. Donate to help donkeys in need Thanks to your support, our vet team are able to provide vital care to donkeys, mules and horses who would otherwise have no one to turn to. If you'd like to read previous updates of our work, please click here to visit out blog. You can also view today's update online by clicking here. Registered charity number 1083468

The Humane World for Animals India: Police in Assam India intercepted a truck with 26 dogs packed in jute sacks destined for the dog meat trade for the

 

Photo Credit: Ram Das / SB Shivaji Studio

Police in Assam, India, intercepted a truck carrying 26 dogs believed to be destined for the dog meat trade. According to Humane World for Animals India, the dogs were confined in jute sacks with their mouths tied shut.

The truck was stopped in Karbi Anglong district, where Assam Police worked with animal welfare organizations Just Be Friendly (JBF), Humane World for Animals India, UCI Foundation, and Anaajoree to coordinate their rescue and transport them to safety.

The dogs were initially cared for at the district’s veterinary department before being transferred to JBF’s Integrated Care and Resource Centre for Animal Welfare in Guwahati for further recovery.

Humane World for Animals shared an update on November 2, reporting that many of the dogs were dehydrated and had tick infestations. Veterinary examinations also revealed that two were pregnant.

“Every dog rescued from this trade is a life spared from immense suffering,” said Keren Nazareth, senior director of companion animals and engagement at Humane World for Animals India.

The organization reported that several community members have since reached out to ask whether their missing dogs are among those rescued. 

After enduring such horrific cruelty, the 26 dogs are receiving veterinary treatment and care to help them heal and regain their strength. Once they have recovered, local organizations will work to find them loving forever homes where they can receive the compassion and protection they deserve. 

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals ( PETA ) Kabang didn't choose to run but a rope was knotted around his neck

 

A Video No One Could Ignore

Kabang didn’t choose to run. A rope was knotted around his neck, the other end tied to a moving pickup truck—and for nearly 25 kilometers on a steep, winding cemented road, he had no choice but to run until he simply couldn’t anymore. He collapsed. And when the footage of his abuse went viral, PETA tracked Kabang down to an unlicensed ranch in Misamis Oriental and immediately began working to secure his release.

The Fight to Free Kabang
Getting custody of Kabang was anything but easy. PETA flew a team to the island, met with local government officials, and flew in an equine veterinarian. PETA refused to back down and kept pushing until full custody was secured. Kabang’s former owner was banned from caring for animals for life.

A Six-Day Journey to Safety
A PETA-arranged veterinary exam revealed that Kabang was suffering from severe lameness, hip pain, and hoof inflammation—conditions his former owner had never bothered to treat. PETA provided him with much-needed pain medication and prepared to transport him to a horse hospital.

When long-distance passenger ships and air cargo companies refused to transport a horse, PETA secured a horse trailer and truck and embarked on a six-day, more than 1,500-kilometer journey that included two ferry crossings, stopping frequently so Kabang could graze and rest.

The equine veterinarian who accompanied Kabang throughout the entire journey stayed by his side through the difficult parts of trip—and by the time they arrived at the hospital in Batangas, he had already fallen in love with Kabang and asked to adopt him.

Kabang’s New Life
Today, Kabang lives free from exploitation. He spends his days in peace at his forever home, where he continues to recover in the company of other horses and a person who sees him for who he is—not what he can be used for.

What You Can Do
Kabang is free today because the footage of his abuse sparked nationwide outrage, and caring citizens shared the video with PETA—setting his rescue in motion. If you see an animal being abused, don’t look away—speak up, document it, and report

Your support makes rescues like Kabang’s possible—help us be there for the next animal who needs us.

Support PETA's Vital Work