Pakistan

Overview

Nearly a quarter of Pakistan's population live on less than a dollar a day, surviving either by farming or producing major exports such as textiles, rice, cotton and leather.

There are over 4.7 million horses, donkeys and mules in Pakistan. These animals are involved in a variety of work from transporting people and goods, to working in brick kilns and agriculture. 

Unfortunately, many of Pakistan's poorest communities do not have access to good quality veterinary services for their working animals and the Brooke estimates that 95 per cent of working horses, donkeys and mules are prone to lameness.

Animal welfare problems in Pakistan cannot be improved through veterinary services alone. A flexible, community-based approach informed by a detailed understanding of how economic and social issues affect animal welfare in local communities, is also needed.

Making a difference

• The Brooke has been working in Pakistan since 1991, improving the welfare of working horses, donkeys and mules. We currently work with Partner Agricultural Development Associations to deliver an animal health and welfare project and the government-sponsored Rural Support Programme.
• We reach over 280,000 working horses, donkeys and mules in some of the poorest communities in Pakistan and train hundreds of vets, local providers and community animal health workers (CAHWs).
• We help train community livestock extension workers through the government-sponsored rural support programme.
• The Brooke aims to influence other organisations to develop practices and policies that will improve equine welfare and reduce animal suffering. These include Faisalabad University and three provincial government-sponsored rural support programmes.
• By the start of 2012, Brooke Pakistan will be carrying out approximately 250,000 treatments through mobile veterinary teams and static clinics. Approximately 14,800 horses, donkeys and mules will have access to improved quality veterinary treatment and resources where we work.