75th Anniversary

Brooke - 75th Anniversary Plans

2009 will mark the 75th Anniversary of the Brooke.

The Brooke began with a passionate campaign by Dorothy Brooke to rescue and end the suffering of old, exhausted survivors of the First World War, cavalry horses in Cairo – British and Australian horses who had been snatched from the green fields of their countries to serve in the Great War. These war heroes were left behind and sold into hard labour in Cairo's streets. Poorly cared for, they were very old, and many were in terrible pain. With donations from the British public, Mrs Brooke bought 5,000 of these animals - and went on to set up our first free veterinary clinic, the 'Old War Horse Memorial Hospital' in Cairo, which still operates today.

From that beginning, the Brooke has become an international lifesaver – helping working horses, donkeys and mules and the poor people who depend on them - in ten countries across Asia, Africa, Central America and the Middle East as well as expanding across Egypt. 

The 75th anniversary is an opportunity to look back at the Brooke’s achievements for working animal welfare and to look forward as we set out our ambitious plans to reach even more working horses and donkeys in the future.
There will be anniversary activities taking place throughout the year and if you would like to register your interest please email your contact details to community@thebrooke.org and we will be in touch in 2009 with more information.