Media release: SPANA

© SPANA

Global animal charity SPANA announces Australian launch

One of the world’s leading charities for working animals has announced its launch in Australia. 

SPANA, which improves the welfare of working animals in some of the world’s least developed countries, has started operating in Australia due to the nation’s longstanding support and concern towards animal welfare.

Through its new national office, the charity is seeking to expand its work providing free veterinary care to sick and injured animals in countries across Asia, Latin American and Africa.

Globally, more than 200 million working animals – such as horses, donkeys, camels and elephants – are used to transport food, water, goods and people, making it possible for those in the poorest communities to earn a small income. However, these animals often endure terrible conditions, without access to the vital veterinary care they need.

SPANA Chief Executive Geoffrey Dennis said the Australian launch represents a major development for the charity, which runs veterinary, training and education programs in countries including Ethiopia, Mali, Morocco and Myanmar. 

‘Australia, in many ways, has been built on a history of working animals, and I know how many Australians are truly passionate about animal welfare,’ Mr Dennis said. 

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‘The launch of our Australian office will be a huge boost to our veterinary programs operating around the world. Animals like donkeys and camels do gruelling work in many developing countries, but very few have access to even basic veterinary care. SPANA is working to ensure that working animals can enjoy a more compassionate future, free from suffering.

‘But SPANA doesn’t just help animals – our work helps people too. Around one billion people globally rely completely on working animals for their livelihoods, and sometimes their survival. 

‘I’d ask all Australians to get behind our vital work and help us transform the lives of animals and people in some of the world’s poorest communities.’

SPANA has been the charity for the working animals of the world since 1923, and currently works in more than 20 developing countries. In 2017, SPANA vets provided more than 350,000 free veterinary treatments to working animals. 

The charity also provides education and training to both animal owners and schoolchildren, as well as operating emergency programs to assist animals and communities affected by conflict, drought and natural disasters. 

To find out more information about SPANA’s work, or to make a donation, visit spana.org, email hello@spana.org or call 1300 149 080.

Notes to editors

For more information, please contact:

Gen Kennedy

PR and Advocacy Officer for SPANA

Gen@spana.org

+44 7403128500

SPANA (the Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad)

SPANA has been the charity for the working animals of the world since 1923, providing free veterinary care to horses, donkeys, mules, elephants and camels in some of the world’s poorest countries. The charity improves the welfare of working animals in three ways: free veterinary treatment, education and training, and emergency and outreach projects.  Please see the charity’s website,www.spana.org for more information. 

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