On this year’s World Animal Day (4 October 2024), SPANA is drawing attention to the catastrophic impact of the climate crisis on working animals, in recognition of the day’s theme – ‘The world is their home too’.
Severe weather events such as droughts, earthquakes and extreme heat are intensifying the suffering of working animals, while pushing the vulnerable communities that depend on them to the edge of survival. With homes destroyed, and access to water and food increasingly scarce, many working animals are left sick, injured and malnourished.
SPANA is dedicated to transforming the welfare of working animals and creating a world where animals, people and the environment are respected and thrive. We are committed to increasing our emergency response capacities as part of our ongoing strategy, and are urging national and international leaders to make the welfare of working animals a priority in the global climate agenda.
Kenya floods
In Kenya’s Kajiado County, located south of Nairobi, unprecedented flooding recently devastated Maasai communities in Magadi and Shompole, where the existence and daily survival of humans and animals is deeply intwined. Families in this region depend on their donkeys for essential tasks such as collecting water from distant sources, supporting agricultural activities, and transporting goods to local markets.
The floods destroyed shelters, submerged grazing lands and claimed the lives of many people and animals, while leaving more than 4,400 donkeys exposed to harsh conditions and deadly diseases. With limited veterinary services available in remote areas, the situation escalated quickly.
In response, SPANA, in partnership with the African Network for Animal Welfare (ANAW), has been providing vital emergency support, including lifesaving veterinary care and vaccinations for affected working animals. Critically, we are also helping the Maasai communities build resilience against future weather and climate-related disasters through early warning systems, evacuation plans for animals, and education on weather prediction and emergency preparedness.
Naisiae’s story
One of the many working animals affected by the severe flooding in Kenya is Naisiae, an 18-year-old donkey from the southern region. Naisiae plays an essential role in helping her owner, Pore, transport water and firewood throughout their rural community.
When Naisiae fell ill in the wake of the disaster, Pore turned to SPANA’s mobile clinic, which had been providing lifesaving support to working animals and their owners. You can read more about Naisiae’s story, and the care she received during this challenging time.
How you can help…
In the face of climate emergencies – such as droughts, floods, landslides or wildfires – the welfare of working animals is often sadly overlooked. SPANA believes these animals deserve to be recognised. That’s why our teams across the world work to provide emergency support, including veterinary care, food, water, and shelter, to working animals in crisis.
But this vital work can’t be done without your help. By donating to our Climate Crisis Appeal, you can ensure our teams have the equipment, medicine and supplies needed to respond swiftly when disaster strikes. Please donate today to help save the lives of sick and abandoned working animals.
Another impactful way to support working animals during an emergency is by purchasing a Rapid Response and Rescue gift. Your generous contribution enables us to provide immediate aid, delivering lifesaving veterinary care, food, water and essential equipment to working animals in crisis. Whether you purchase this gift for yourself or a loved one, you can help ensure working animals receive the urgent support they need to survive in times of disaster.
Thank you for supporting working animals this World Animal Day.