Every day in Ethiopia, 9 million working horses, donkeys and mules are supporting 54 million poor people who depend on them. Now, as Ethiopia is struggling through its worst drought in 50 years, these animals are not only fighting for their own survival, but doing so while helping people access emergency supplies. While these extremely important animals are being utilized to help people, the Brooke has launched an emergency response to help those animals.
The Brooke is the world’s largest international equine welfare charity, dedicated to alleviating the suffering of working equines in the developing world. Brooke USA, the American fundraising arm of the Brooke, exists to support vital programs like this one, which will supply emergency feed for 600 working equines each day for a month, and will deliver water for up to 1,800 equines each day.
Dil Peeling, Director of Animal Welfare and Sustainability at the Brooke said: “As crops fail and livestock die, the Brooke is responding. Our teams are on the ground supporting the survival of people’s essential livestock.
“Ethiopia has the second largest population of working equines in the world. The work and income from one of these animals can support a family of six, contributing to food security, and providing a lifeline for 85% of Ethiopians living in rural areas. These animals play a critical role now, in transporting emergency supplies to people and other livestock, and will be needed afterwards as people rebuild their lives.”
The Brooke teams in Ethiopia are currently working in Halaba and Sankura to provide food and water for the animals, give treatments to tackle disease, and advice to animal owners. They are also helping to repair much-needed water reserve ponds that had been damaged by a build-up of silt.
The Brooke is currently serving working equines in 12 countries across Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Central America. Last year alone, the Brooke reached 1.8 million working equines, benefitting 10 million of the world’s poorest people who depend on those animals for their livelihoods. Brooke USA, a 501(c)(3), headquartered at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, exists to support the Brooke’s overseas projects.
Brooke USA donors make it possible for the Brooke to be ready during natural disasters like this, to provide very practical aid to the animals and to help ensure the livelihoods of their owners by keeping their animals alive until the rains come again. Please help us to continue to be ready in times of crisis through tax-deductible donations: www.BrookeUSA.org.