Protect animals from the world's disasters
Working animals were used in the first national disaster drill in Nicaragua in 2023, which two million people took part in.
Brooke has conducted research exploring the ways in which working horses, donkeys and mules can be invaluable support to disaster risk management globally.
When disaster occurs, working animals can be critical in the recovery process for communities, accessing damaged areas where vehicles can’t, evacuating people and rebuilding infrastructure and the local economy.
In a new study with the Integrated Risk Management Associates (IRMA), Brooke found animal welfare was not fully considered in disaster plans across Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Nicaragua, Pakistan and Senegal.
In another study, the charity discovered 94% of households acknowledge working animals are not considered in emergency plans at community level in Nicaragua.
90% believe these animals suffer physical risk during the response and recovery stages.
Research is an effective catalyst for advocacy. It provides the evidence needed to help ensure working animals are no longer overlooked in disaster planning.
The research also revealed that many national plans do not include clear preparation for different hazards - such as disease outbreaks, climate-related events, or technological emergencies.
Over 100 million working horses, donkeys and mules support the livelihoods of 600 million people worldwide, helping them to earn an income and put food on the table.
Without disaster risk management, floods, hurricanes, droughts can have a catastrophic impact on people and animals, especially in vulnerable areas.
Heavy rains in Somoto flooded a stream. A horse was used to deliver food and other supplies to the families on the other side.
Donkeys were vital to emergency relief operations during the Pakistan floods in 2023.
We use horses to take pregnant women to health centres, especially during heavy rains.
In response to these powerful findings, Brooke is now turning evidence into action.
The charity is working closely with local governments, emergency responders, and community leaders to ensure working animals are formally included in disaster risk management plans.
As part of this, Brooke is:
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Advocating for policy change, urging authorities to recognise the vital role of working animals in disaster risk management frameworks - locally, nationally and globally.
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Collaborating with governments and local partners to create inclusive disaster preparedness strategies that account for both human and animal needs.
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Sharing community-led stories and case studies, like those from Nicaragua, to build public support.
Brooke’s efforts are paving the way for a more resilient, more humane future, where the role of working animals is recognised, respected, and safeguarded in times of crisis.