Working animal charity Brooke has appealed for urgent support to help thousands of animals – including horses, donkeys and mules – who have been affected by the devastating floods in Pakistan.
Relentless monsoon rains have left 1,400 villages under water and affected more than two million people, creating an unprecedented crisis for animals and the people who care for them.
It is estimated that 5,584 animals including horses, donkeys, mules, goats and sheep, have died during the flash floods, landslides and cloudbursts across the country.
Brooke’s disaster relief appeal will provide humanitarian and animal relief through veterinary services and supporting those who own animals in Punjab and the north-west Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
Thousands in need
Working with Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority and Livestock Department, the charity will use the funds generated by the appeal to benefit 1,000 working animals and 6,000 animal-owning families in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
“We are working around the clock to keep Pakistan’s working horses, donkeys and mules alive during this devastating crisis,” said Chris Wainwright, Brooke’s chief executive officer.
“These animals are the heartbeat of rural families – without them, people lose their ability to earn an income and put food on the table.
“By protecting animals, we are protecting entire communities from long-term suffering.”
Food insecurity concerns
Due to the large loss of livestock, there is also regional concern about food insecurity. An estimated 300,000 farm animals have perished during the floods and many of those are essential in helping with agriculture and carrying water.
Brooke also launched an emergency appeal in 2022 following widespread flooding in Paksitan. The appeal raised funds to help care for wounded, starving or unwell horses, donkeys and mules, as well as the communities they support.
Donations to the appeal can be made via Brooke’s website here.
