The Brooke saves equines in Nepal earthquake

The Brooke has been working tirelessly to save the thousands of working equines affected by the recent earthquake in Nepal.

Devastation

The charity is working with communities in Gorkha, which was at epicentre of the initial earthquake, sufferingmajor loss and devastation.

Almost all the equine owners there lost their homes and the1,650 working horses, donkey and mules have also been affected.

Many were injured by falling rocks or became trapped by landslides, leaving them stranded with little or no grass with their heavy packs still on their backs, some weeks after the quake.

Support packages

Three teams from The Brooke are working in Nepal and so far around 400 equines have been rescued.

The charity has set up an animal health camp providing veterinary care and it is also sending out support packages, which contain tarpaulins for temporary shelter, food and emergency medical supplies.

Working horses and donkeys play a vital role in supporting the livelihoods of the Nepalese, either through agriculture or working in the brick kilns in Kathmandu where they lug heavy loads of bricks over long distances.

Safe and sound

Rebecca Sommerville from the Brooke animal welfare team said: “Although there’s still much more to be done, Brooke teams in Nepal are working tirelessly – and it’s down to people making generous donations to the Brooke that so many horses, donkeys and mules are now safe and sound.”