Helping working animals in Somaliland

Project name: HORN SPCA

Project type: Education and veterinary

Location: Hargeisa

SPANA has been collaborating with Horn SPCA since 2016 to improve donkey welfare in Hargeisa city by treating animals, training vets and teaching local owners.

Since then, more than 800 working donkeys have been benefited from free veterinary care and 120 working donkey owners have been trained about animal welfare.

Somaliland has a very large population of working donkeys and other animals, with many communities dependent on them for their livelihoods. However, due to continuing political instability, government funding for vets is scarce and many working animals are unable to receive the treatment they desperately need.

Our humane education programme in schools also challenges negative attitudes towards animals, fostering empathy and kindness. This is supported by community-wide campaigns, involving TV, radio and promotional materials, designed to improve the status of animals and discourage cruelty.