SPANA | International Working Animal Day

What is International Working Animal Day?

SPANA’s seventh annual International Working Animal Day, taking place on 15 June 2022, is raising awareness about the vital role of working animals in people’s everyday lives – both for families in the world’s poorest communities, and those in the UK and other wealthier nations.

Globally, an estimated 200 million working animals support the livelihoods of people in low-income countries. By ploughing fields and transporting food, water, goods and firewood, they make it possible for many living in poverty-stricken communities to earn a small income and survive. These animals make a critical difference to people’s lives – including enabling many children to go to school and receive an education.

But the impact of these animals spans well beyond the countries where they work. In Western countries, including the UK, many everyday products we enjoy – from tea and coffee to chocolate, sugar and flowers – start the journey to our homes via the back of a working animal. From Costa Rica to Ethiopia, many animals are involved in transporting agricultural produce in small farms, fields and plantations.

Yet, despite their vital role, this invisible workforce is almost completely overlooked. Most people are unaware that working animals often help produce the daily items we take for granted in our shops and supermarkets.

These animals often lead short, hard lives, working in extreme conditions, with little rest, poor nutrition and no access to essential veterinary treatment.

SPANA believes that these animals deserve greater respect and recognition. And, more importantly, they need our help.

Did you know...?

Working equids support an estimated 600 million people globally

One working animal can support the livelihoods of an extended family of up to 30 people

It is estimated that between five and 20 people depend on every working equid

50 per cent of the world’s population depends on animals as their main source of power

Many working animals are involved in producing everyday products such as tea, coffee, sugar and chocolate

Working animals also help transport rice, corn, fruit, vegetables and even flowers

Two men in blue SPANA vet overalls holding a horses mouth

BORA’S STORY

On International Working Animal Day, we are highlighting the essential role of working animals across the world and the vital care we are able to provide to them, thanks to our supporters. One of these animals is Bora, a nine-year-old horse, who attended our mobile clinic in Ethiopia when his eyes became painful and irritated. Find out how our veterinary team was able to provide the urgent treatment he needed by reading Bora’s story.

Who’s supporting the campaign?

Paul O’Grady MBE, Ambassador for SPANA, said:

‘Working animals are integral to the lives of people in the world’s poorest communities, and help many families to earn a small income and put food on the table. But very few people are aware that we also rely on these animals for many of the everyday items we take for granted in the UK.

‘Worldwide, working horses, donkeys, camels and other animals support poverty-stricken families by ploughing fields and transporting food, water and firewood. Much of the food and drink they transport is ultimately destined for our homes – providing everything from our morning cup of tea to the chocolates we enjoy every day.

‘Join me in supporting SPANA this International Working Animal Day and recognising the incredible contribution that millions of working animals across the world makes towards the daily lives of so many people – including ours in the UK.’

Dame Twiggy Lawson, Ambassador for SPANA, said:

‘Working animals have such an important role in impoverished communities around the world, and their hard work makes it possible for owners to feed their families and send their children to school. They are absolutely priceless.

‘An estimated 200 million working animals provide a means of survival for people living in poverty – and SPANA is providing for a lifeline for these animals. Through providing vital veterinary care and training for owners, the charity is helping working animals overseas to have a happier and healthier life, free from pain and suffering.

‘Please show your support for SPANA teams and working animals worldwide on International Working Animal Day.’

Jim Broadbent, Ambassador for SPANA, said:

‘Working animals bear a huge responsibility on their shoulders, supporting families living in poverty that depend upon them. They plough fields and transport goods to market, often pulling heavy loads in extreme heat, with little rest.

‘But thanks to SPANA, working animals have a chance to live a more comfortable life, free from pain. For almost one hundred years, the charity has been there to provide working donkeys, mules, camels and horses with the vital veterinary care they need. The charity is a lifeline to hundreds of thousands of sick and injured animals every year.

‘Join me this International Working Animal Day in recognising the huge difference SPANA is making to the lives of working animals across the world.’

Brian Blessed OBE, Ambassador for SPANA, said:

‘Working animals are true unsung heroes, and they are so important to the poorest families around the world. Without these animals, many people would be in an even more desperate situation and have no income whatsoever.

‘But they need our help. Too many animals are suffering needlessly from pain, hunger and injury – and without veterinary care, which is such a vital necessity. On International Working Animal Day, please show your support for SPANA, who are improving the lives of animals around the world.’

Peter Egan, Ambassador for SPANA, said:

‘Through their relentless hard work, working animals ensure that millions of families in the world’s poorest communities have a means of putting food on the table. But, thankfully, SPANA is there to ensure that the health, wellbeing and essential needs of these animals are also being looked after.

‘The charity’s veterinary teams are preventing suffering for sick and injured animals, while SPANA’s community training projects are also making a huge difference – equipping owners with the knowledge they need to make sure the basic needs of their animals are being met.

‘On International Working Animal Day, I’ll be showing my support for these incredible animals and the SPANA teams who care for them every single day – please join me.’

Dr Marc Abraham sitting on the floor brushing a brown goat

Dr Marc Abraham OBE, Ambassador for SPANA, said:

Working animals make an incredible contribution in many developing countries, and millions of families would struggle to survive without them. Thankfully, SPANA is there for thousands of these animals across the world – ensuring that they receive the treatment and care they need.

‘Without the charity and its dedicated teams, so many animals would be facing unnecessary pain, suffering, hunger, and hardship, which is why SPANA’s work is so very important.

‘This International Working Animal Day, please give your backing to SPANA, and help make a lifesaving difference to these remarkable animals.’

Dr James Greenwood with two donkeys with their heads poking through a white fence

Dr James Greenwood, Ambassador for SPANA, said:

‘Working animals are critically important to millions of people in the poorest communities of the world. Their work can be the difference between an owner being able to feed his family – or struggling to afford the most basic necessities. But it’s not often we think about the impact these animals have on our own lives. Many working animals have a key role transporting some of the items we consume each day and rarely give a second thought about – from tea to bananas.

‘On International Working Animal Day, it’s time to give working animals the attention and recognition they deserve. We must protect their welfare and ensure they have access to the care they need. Please show your support for SPANA and their teams on the ground who are changing the lives of working animals around the world.’

International Working Animal Day 2022