This International Working Animal Day (15 June), we’re highlighting the devastating impact climate change is having on the lives of working animals like Jiyan and Karwan – donkeys who needed urgent treatment from SPANA’s veterinary team following flash flooding in Iraq.
Across the world, the climate crisis is having a catastrophic impact on working animals and the communities they support. Extreme weather events, water scarcity and soil erosion are putting livelihoods at risk and leaving working animals sick, injured and malnourished.
These working animals include Jiyan the donkey and her foal, Karwan. Every day, the mother and son protect a flock of sheep in the northern Iraqi Kurdistan province of Duhok for their owner, Abood. In Iraqi Kurdistan, many people rely on working animals for shepherding and agriculture.
Sadly, disaster struck on 19 March 2024 when heavy rainfall triggered deadly flash flooding in the region. Dangerous floodwaters swept through the area, submerging streets, levelling homes and moving tonnes of rocks and soil. Jiyan and Karwan’s shelter was completely destroyed, and the scared donkeys were left trapped inside.
A distressed Abood contacted SPANA, and our team sprung into immediate action. Despite the floodwaters, our mobile clinic was able to reach and rescue the donkeys. Once they had been rescued, our vet examined them carefully and discovered Jiyan and Karwan were both suffering from hypothermia. They were also very distressed from being trapped in their shelter.
The donkeys were immediately moved into a warm, dry and safe space. Our vet advised Abood to keep Jiyan and Karwan there so that they could rest and recover from their terrifying ordeal. The vet then gave the donkeys emergency feed and showed Abood how to add vitamins and minerals to the feed – something that he would need to do for the next 10 days.
Abood was thankful for SPANA’s help. He said: ‘Thank you for rescuing my donkeys. Without SPANA’s support, they would not be alive today.’
Your kindness is enabling SPANA to help working animals like Jiyan and Karwan who are affected by the growing impact of the climate crisis. This International Working Animal Day, find out how we are working to transform the welfare of working animals and create a world where animals, people and the environment are respected and thrive.
