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SPANA launches road traffic accidents appeal
“The majority of working animals involved in road traffic accidents do not survive” – Anna Bowker.
Charity highlights plight of working animals on busy roads.

The Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad (SPANA) has launched an appeal to help working animals at risk of being involved in road traffic accidents.

In the low-income countries where the charity works, it is common for animals such as donkeys to work on roads alongside cars and trucks. When accidents occur, they are often fatal for the animal involved.

With its appeal, launched on 20 June, SPANA hopes to raise funds to provide reflective collars and harnesses to improve the visibility of working animals and help keep them safer on roads. The charity also needs donations to keep running its mobile clinics and centres which provide emergency care to injured animals.

Last year, SPNA provided veterinary care and support to 336,018 working animals around the world, as well as providing training in animal care to 75,239 owners of working animals.

Anna Bowker, SPANA veterinary advisor. said: “The majority of working animals involved in road traffic accidents do not survive, and those that do are often left facing serious and painful injuries. Yet simple solutions can help prevent road traffic accidents.

“Reflective collars and harnesses are low-cost ways to make working animals visible when walking on, or near, busy roads. Made from locally available materials, these collars can help prevent working animals from being hit by vehicles.
 
“For the unfortunate animals that do become injured in traffic accidents, SPANA’s mobile clinics can provide the lifesaving treatment they need, while surgery or long stays in our centres for ongoing after care may be needed to make a full recovery.”

More details about SPANA’s appeal can be found on the charity’s website.

Image © SPANA

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Vetlife nominated for campaign award

News Story 1
 Vetlife has been shortlisted for the Association of Charity Organisations (ACO) Campaign of the Year Award 2024.

The nomination recognises its campaigning to raise awareness of neurodiversity within the profession and produce resources for individuals and workplaces. Vetlife's campaign has included talks, lived experience blogs, and an awareness video.

Kirstie Pickles, Vetlife trustee and project lead, said: "I am thrilled and delighted that the Vetlife neurodiversity awareness campaign has been shortlisted for the ACO Campaign of the Year Award 2024"

The winner will be announced 12 September 2024. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Northern Ireland chief vet warns of bluetongue risk

Following the detection of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) in England, Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer has urged farmers to remain vigilant and source animals responsibly.

Brian Dooher said: "This confirmation in England is a stark reminder of the threat bluetongue presents to Northern Ireland.Whilst this finding in Norfolk is disappointing it is not unexpected giving the rising level of disease across several countries in Europe. Bluetongue does not affect human health or food safety, however an incursion to Northern Ireland would have a significant impact on livestock and the rural economy.

"I would like to remind all farmers of the importance of sourcing animals responsibly and ask that they maintain vigilance for signs of the disease reporting any suspicions to DAERA immediately."

Suspected cases of BTV-3 in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.