Today we look at how animals have shaped Britain and their vital contribution to developing countries

Consider the working animals all over the world

Consider the working animals all over the world

Paul O’Grady, Ben Fogle and Deborah Meaden are today urging the public to consider supporting SPANA, the international animals charity, and consider the working animals all over the world.  Working animals are a distant memory in the UK despite their fundamental role in Britain’s past and many of the world’s developing countries today.

Today, SPANA are releasing research which finds that nearly 40 per cent of the nation does not even know what a working animal is, which is surprising seeing as Britain’s historical development is so steeped in working animals, notably horses, and cattle.

When asked what a working animal is, 41 per cent of the surveyed Brits inaccurately think they are animals used for entertainment; 32 per cent of Brits assume they are farm animals, such as dairy cows; 11 per cent think they are animals used in media while some (two per cent) even go as far as believing they are pets brought into the office by their owners.

This year marks the second anniversary of International Working Animal Day, which aims to raise awareness of the vital role played by working animals.

For centuries, working animals - such as horses and oxen - were the main source of power in the UK and the driving force of agriculture, transport, mining and warfare. In 1900, almost every vehicle on the streets of London was horse-drawn and pit ponies were still working underground in British coal mines in 1999.

“When we hear the term ‘horsepower’ today, most people think of fast cars. But, in Britain, horses and other working animals were our engines for thousands of years. They helped build our towns and cities, farmed our land and were our main form of transport. Their contribution to British economic and social development is indisputable. Yet, it’s a bond many have forgotten,” said Geoffrey Dennis, Chief Executive of SPANA.

Whilst cart horses and pit ponies have been replaced by cars, buses, tractors and trains in the UK today, working animals continue to play a vital role in developing countries worldwide. Nearly one billion of the world’s poorest people rely on working animals for their livelihoods, with an estimated 200 million working animals doing the job of trucks, tractors and taxis.

This campaign has the support of Paul O’Grady, Ben Fogle and Deborah Meaden and their endorsement quotations are listed below:

Paul O’Grady

“It breaks my heart to see how hard horses, donkeys, mules and camels have to work around the world, pulling carts and carrying heavy loads. Despite how important they are, many will lead short, painful lives. Hardly any receive even basic vet care when they’re sick or injured, as it’s often not available and their owners simply can’t afford it. They deserve better. That’s why I support SPANA, the charity that gets free lifesaving vet care to working animals. Today I’m asking you to join me in backing SPANA’s International Working Animal Day. We need governments and aid organisations around the world to recognise the massive contribution of working animals and to make sure they get the treatment, care and compassion they deserve.”

Ben Fogle

“For over a billion people worldwide, a working animal is a vital necessity. Working animals represent their transport, their means of collecting firewood and water, and their only way of making a small income to provide for their families. That’s why I support SPANA’s work offering free veterinary treatment to working animals in need, and why on International Working Animal Day I’m asking that these animal heroes get the recognition they deserve.”

Deborah Meaden

“Working animals are no longer a common sight on the streets of Britain as they once were. But, all around the world, these animals still play a vital role and make it possible for the very poorest families to get by and survive. All too often the welfare of working animals is forgotten or ignored. On International Working Animal Day, please join me in supporting SPANA's work of building a more compassionate future for working animals.

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