Spotlight on SPANA

The Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad, SPANA, works in developing countries worldwide, providing free veterinary care to working animals. Last year, SPANA provided more than 376 151 vital veterinary treatments to such animals. There are more than 200 million working horses, donkeys, camels, elephants and other animals around the world performing vital roles. By doing the jobs of trucks, tractors and taxis, they help provide a small income for families in many of the poorest communities. Without SPANA, most of these animals would have no access to veterinary care when they are sick or injured, or their owners would have no means to pay for it.

The charity, formed in 1923, now works in more than 26 countries. Currently there are permanent veterinary programmes in nine countries, operating veterinary centres and mobile clinics from Morocco to Myanmar. And even more animals are reached across the world through outreach programmes, working with local partner organisations to fund vital care.