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Helping animals when I travel

In many of the areas in which the Brooke operates the local population rely on the tourist trade for an income. It is, therefore, vitally important that the tourist trade does not contribute to bad animal welfare practices.

When you travel please use the simple tips below to help encourage good animal welfare practices: 

When using a horse (or donkey) drawn carriage:

• Never overload a horse-drawn carriage - two people is sufficient (four for a carriage in Egypt)
• If the owner persuades you to overload the carriage, please walk away. You can always choose another horse or donkey that is in better condition
• If the owner is treating the animal badly - riding it hard, whipping - we urge you to refuse to use his carriage, and tell him why

When riding a horse or donkey:
• Never trot, canter or gallop your horse or donkey - this is very damaging for the animal, and could put yourself at risk
• Consider your own weight before riding a horse or donkey, and match your size to the size and strength of the animal
• Never ride more than one on the back of a horse or donkey
• You must never whip, beat or ride an animal aggressively
• If the owner is treating the animal badly - riding it hard, whipping - we urge you to refuse to use his animal, and tell him why

General tips:
• Please give a fair price for the ride. Undercutting only devalues the work of the animals and means the people must work even harder to earn enough for that day
• If the animal is well looked after, praise the owner and tell him why you have chosen his animal

The Brooke works in partnership with animal owners to create sustainable solutions that will last for generations to come. By following a few simple travel tips you can help to reinforce our messages of good animal welfare practices, and help improve the lives of working animals across the world.