The Brooke - Helping the unsung heroes

Today, there are an estimated 100 million working horses and donkeys supporting the lives and livelihoods of around 600 million people. The work they carry out is diverse and often dangerous especially in times of conflict and places of extreme poverty. The Brooke works with these unsung heroes to relieve their misery and suffering.

Read on for some examples of the unsung heroes the Brooke helps throughout the world...

'Shiro' - a Ghari horse in Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, Shiro works as a Ghari (taxi) for his owner Tamirat, and Tamirat’s wife and four young children. When Shiro became unwell, Tamirat took him to see the Brooke who diagnosed the horse with African Horse Sickness (AHS).

AHS is transmitted by flies and causes swelling of the head and tongue. The disease makes horses very sickly and weak, and it is rife in the area where Shiro lives. Sadly 70 - 80% of sufferers die from AHS.

Shiro and his owner Tamirat at the time of treatment © Brooke

Shiro, a horse affected by AHS in Ethiopia © Brooke

The Brooke advised Tamirat on how to treat Shiro, but the disease was caught too late and it is unlikely he will survive. The best advice we could give was for all other horses to be vaccinated from the disease in the future – a service the Brooke offers and campaigns on in the area. This service is helping to eliminate AHS and save horses like Shiro.

Tamirat said that even if Shiro doesn’t survive, he is still very grateful for the Brooke’s service and compassion, and added:


	I personally haven’t seen anybody so passionate about helping an animal without being put off by of its filth and very bad smell

How you can help:

£21 could pay for vaccinations for 15 animals ensuring they are protected from this deadly disease.
£52 could pay for all the medicines a mobile vet team would need in a week to treat suffering horses and donkeys.
£160 could pay for a community session for 30 owners to educate them on disease prevention and control.

To help more horses like Shiro - please donate now

Read more stories about unsung heroes the Brooke has helped

Dr Somroo gave Tariq advice on caring for his donkey © Brooke

Read Tariq and Badal's story

A working foal in Pakistan carries a heavy load © Brooke

Read Kamwana's story