SPANA launches emergency response to Morocco earthquake
They will be safeguarding working horses and mules that are playing a vital part in rescue efforts.
The Society of the Protection of Animals Abroad (SPANA) has launched their emergency response to support working animals affected by the earthquake in Morocco.
The group are acting in response to the 6.8 magnitude earthquake that hit the Al Haouz province in Morocco on 8 September 2023.
The British Red Cross estimates that the earthquake, which struck just after 11pm local time, has caused the deaths of more than 2,800 people and affected 300,000 more. It resulted in buildings collapsing, with some villages being completely destroyed.
SPANA, a charity which supports working animals, have begun their rescue efforts, where they are assessing the needs of the working animals that the communities are dependent on.
Three local groups, including chief executive Linda Edwards and director of global animal welfare Dr Linda Evans, will be working directly in Morocco to support the animals that are affected by the disaster.
Their teams are rescuing injured and abandoned working animals, providing food, water and emergency veterinary care to affected animals.
They will also be safeguarding the working horses and mules that will be playing a vital part in rescue efforts, providing supplies to communities in isolated areas.
SPANA’s rescue efforts include a long-term response plan to continue providing support to the communities affected.
Morocco was one of the first countries that SPANA worked in, following their foundation in 1923.
Linda Edwards said: “All of us at SPANA are deeply saddened about the terrible disaster in Morocco, our sympathies and thoughts are with all affected. Working alongside the humanitarian effort, coordinating with the authorities and partners, SPANA’s teams are working tirelessly to ensure that lifesaving help is available to working animals.
“The relief effort will also see the dependency on working animals, as the invisible heroes delivering life-saving aid to communities who have been cut off, with roads destroyed or blocked with debris. Working donkeys and mules will be their rescue partner, and SPANA will be there to safeguard their welfare, they too need to recover from the trauma of this horrific disaster.”
Donations can be made to the charity at their website.
Image © SPANA
RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.
