Is this animal cruelty?

SPANA works with animals all over the world; every day our vets treat animals that are suffering. 

SPANA treats a huge variety of problems for horses, donkeys, mules and other working animals, from fired wounds to slit nostrils.  It’s a myth to think intentional cruelty is the main cause of suffering for working animal – poor families rely on healthy animals for their livelihoods.

So watch these films to find out the REAL reasons animals suffer.

1.  Cultural and superstitions

This horse has not suffered because of animal cruelty.  The problem lies in Mauritania's rich cultural history and a lack of animal welfare knowledge. What do you think, is this animal cruelty?

2.  Preventable disease

Epizootic Lymphanigitis (EZL) affects horses in Ethiopia throughout the year. It is a fungal disease that causes ulcerating blisters, infects the lymph nodes and eventually leads to death. But if treated early enough it needn’t be fatal.

3.  Poverty and necessity

One donkey, 11km and 150kg of grass.  This is how owners make their living in rural Tunisia and it's the donkey that takes the load.

4. Equipment

There are many reasons a working animal can suffer. Poor fitting harnessing and equipment can cause terrible wounds as this case demonstrates. Is this cruelty and what can SPANA do?

Categories: Animals