Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad (SPANA):Safe, clean drinking water is essential for the survival of working animals. It is a necessity, not a luxury (video)

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Today, on International Working Animal Day, we’re raising awareness of the global water crisis – and the devastating impact it is having on working animals and the communities that rely on them. From climate-related events, such as droughts and flooding, to issues such as poor infrastructure and a lack of piped water, many communities across the world are facing a shortage of clean drinking water. Families in the countries we work are often forced to travel long distances to collect water from wells, pumps and natural sources which are often unsafe to drink from. And it is working animals who are relied upon to transport this water. Yet, during times of crisis, they are usually the last to receive the drinking water they need. Lack of water can lead to issues such as dehydration, organ failure, colic and even death. And, even when water is available, it can often be contaminated by bacteria, viruses and parasites, which causes further complications for working animals. Safe, clean drinking water is essential for the survival of working animals. It is a necessity, not a luxury, and we believe that working animals deserve access to water that is essential for their health, not threatens it. Across the world, we are working alongside our partners to help working animals affected by the water crisis:   In Zimbabwe, we drilled four solar-powered boreholes in drought-stricken villages to provide water for working animals and the communities that rely on them. In Morocco, we built ten drinking fountains for Marrakech’s caleche horses. The fountains are filled and maintained by a SPANA water cart to ensure animals working in the heat have access to fresh water. In Mauritania, we provide veterinary care for donkeys that transport water from standpipes to households across the city. Our teams also offer guidance to owners on proper handling and harnessing techniques to ensure good animal welfare. This work is only possible due to the kindness of our supporters, whose generosity ensures we can be there for working animals who need it most. Our teams are working tirelessly to ensure that working animals supporting communities through the water crisis receive the care that they deserve. One such animal we have helped is Alnair, a donkey from Mauritania. In the capital city of Nouakchott, where piped water is inaccessible to many, donkeys like Alnair are essential - hauling water from standpipes to households across the city. The work is exhausting, but vital in helping families access the clean water they need to survive. Our team met Alnair at a SPANA mobile clinic that was visiting the Dar Naïm region of Nouakchott. His owner, Moubarek, had travelled with his donkey for veterinary help after noticing Alnair was constantly scratching himself. After a thorough check-up, the vets diagnosed the donkey with mange – an extremely itchy and contagious skin disease caused by mites which had started around Alnair’s ears and had spread to other areas of his body. The team set to work cleaning the affected areas of his skin and administering an anti-parasitic treatment to treat the mites. Moubarek was advised to keep Alnair away from other animals, and to clean his shelter thoroughly, before bringing him back for a check-up and further treatment in 15 days’ time. Thanks to the kindness of our supporters, our teams can continue to ensure that working animals like Alnair are not forgotten in times of crisis. Find out more about Alnair’s story by clicking the button below: In Turkana County, Kenya, the longest drought the country has experienced in 40 years is having devastating effects. Thousands of donkeys and camels are suffering. Many have already lost their lives. With our local partner Utunzi Animal Welfare, SPANA is aiming to provide emergency feed and water to 10,000 donkeys and 10,000 camels in desperate need. But while we meet the urgent needs of these animals, we’re also working to prevent future suffering. We’re helping local communities build resilience by providing access to reliable water sources, even during the harshest droughts. By establishing water committees, we’re empowering communities to manage their resources and safeguard animal welfare for years to come. The situation is critical. Without immediate action more animals will die. Your support today could provide lifesaving feed and water for animals in need, like those in Kenya. Will you help working animals survive and recover, no matter where disaster strikes?

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