01/07/08 The Plight of the Beasts of Burden

The next time you see a news clip from the Middle East or Africa, look beyond the crowds and you will find the world's hardest working animals. Look hard, they are hidden beneath loads so cumbersome often only their ears are discernable. These poor, loyal beasts of burden are victims of uneducated owners who often succumb to cruel myths; like beatings, in attempts to get more even work from the donkeys, horses and mules who short lives, typically end broken and suffering. Since 1934 the Brooke Institute has improved the lives of over 650,000 donkeys and horses each year, and cites the fact these equines then support three million people. Their mobile vets visit villages to treat animals suffering from exhaustion, dehydration, malnutrition, disease and painful injuries that are mostly preventable. Training people is core to Brooke Institute where animal health workers are committed to the motto, "healthy working animals for the world's poorest communities." It is one of the few organizations I know where your donation helps both animals and people. To learn more about this excellent organization visit theBooke.org.