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SPANA launches appeal for India brick kiln donkeys
Working animals frequently work in temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.
Working donkeys can suffer open, weeping wounds.

The Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad (SPANA) has launched its winter appeal, which will support working donkeys in India.

Thousands of working donkeys are involved with India’s traditional brick kiln industry which, producing 250 billion bricks per year, makes India the second largest brick producing country in the world.

Working equines assist approximately 15 million workers in the industry, transporting loads of newly moulded bricks to and from kiln ovens. The equines are frequently working in temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.

These extreme conditions can have a detrimental effect on the wellbeing of the equines.

Ill-fitting and overloaded harnesses can cause working horses and equines to suffer open, weeping wounds. The loads result in crippling lameness, as their joints struggle with the weight of the bricks.

The equines also struggle with overloading, exhaustion, malnutrition, dehydration and diseases due to lack of vaccinations.

SPANA has chosen India’s brick kiln donkeys and mules for this year’s winter appeal.

It will work with the states of Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh to provide equines with vital veterinary treatment and lifesaving vaccinations through mobile veterinary clinics. SPANA will also hold training sessions with animal owners to teach them how to look after their animals’ welfare.

SPANA’s work is entirely funded by donations, and so it is calling for members of the public to help them with its cause.

Anna Boulker, veterinary advisor at SPANA, said: “SPANA is determined to ensure these injured, dehydrated and exhausted animals receive the veterinary care they need. Our training sessions are also transforming the lives of brick kiln donkeys and mules, by showing owners how to look after their animals’ welfare.

“For example, owners are learning how to fit padded back protectors and harnesses made of softer material with smaller brick pouches to reduce the risk of overloading and prevent wounds and lameness.”

To help support SPANA’s winter appeal, visit its website.

Image © SPANA

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.