International Working Animal Day 2023

Oxmo’s story

Oxmo the donkey, from Mali, is just one of the many animals affected by the terrible consequences of plastic pollution. After accidentally eating some plastic, Oxmo was in clear pain and distress. Read more about his owner’s quick response and how the SPANA veterinary team ensured that Oxmo received the lifesaving care he needed.

John Craven OBE, Patron of SPANA, said:

‘Plastic pollution is a severe and worsening danger for working animals across the world.

‘In the countries where SPANA works, hungry working animals often consume plastic accidentally while grazing and scavenging for food, due to the sheer volume of litter. Plastic waste can cause major problems with the digestive system and lead to life-threatening conditions.

‘Please join me this International Working Animal Day and support SPANA’s lifesaving work, providing working animals with the care and support they need.’

Brian Blessed OBE, Ambassador for SPANA, said:

‘Most people use plastic at some point each day, but very few will consider the terrible impact of plastic waste on the world’s working animal population.

‘As local waste management is limited in many low-income countries, the role of rubbish collection very often falls to working animals. For example, in Mali’s capital, Bamako, huge numbers of donkeys transport rubbish from communities to the city’s towering rubbish dumps. Pulling heavy carts of plastic and other waste, these donkeys toil relentlessly in blazing heat, at risk from cuts and injuries from the piles of plastic and other sharp materials underfoot.

‘In Bamako, and other low-income communities across the world, SPANA is providing vital veterinary care to sick and injured working animals – including those who support families by removing waste that would pose a significant human health risk. The charity is improving the welfare of these animals and making a huge difference to their lives.

‘On International Working Animal Day, please join me in supporting SPANA, who are offering a lifeline for animals and people in desperate need.’

Dr Marc Abraham OBE, Ambassador for SPANA, said:

“Many of the life-threatening conditions treated by SPANA’s veterinary teams across the world are caused by ingested plastic waste, as hungry working animals accidentally eat plastic bags and other materials while grazing and scavenging for food. This often causes serious internal blockages and severe pain, with surgery frequently needed.

“Tragically, adequate veterinary treatment is unavailable in many low-income countries that depend on working animals for their survival. But, thanks to SPANA, hundreds of thousands of working animals are now receiving the essential care they desperately need. SPANA is also working with these communities to educate animal owners about the dangers of plastic waste to animals, and importantly, practical measures to reduce the risks to keep working animals safe.

“On International Working Animal Day 2023, we must all recognise the severe threats that working animals’ lives face on a daily basis, such as ingested plastic, and the importance of SPANA’s work to protect their health and welfare.”