1st March 2004
The Brooke’s ongoing battle to end the testing of horse strength in Cairo’s equine trading markets is making progress.
Owners of horses wishing to get the highest price for their animals carry out this traditional practice: the back wheels of a cart are tied together so it cannot be moved, the horse is then forced to pull the cart as far as possible while being whipped. The further the horse can pull the cart, the stronger it is perceived to be and the more money its owner can ask for it.
In reality, it causes pain, stress and even long-term damage. Happily, since our Cairo vets have been working in these markets, the practice has diminished, thanks to the good rapport they have established with many owners. “They have done this out of respect for the Brooke and the work that we do,” explains Dr. Ahmed.
In the meantime, vets are trying to come up with a viable alternative in order to stamp out this cruel behaviour altogether.
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