In Ethiopia, working animals such as donkeys, horses and mules are essential to the livelihoods of millions of people. These equines transport water, food, fuel and construction materials for their owners in impoverished rural areas. In districts such as Shashemene, where small-scale farming is the primary livelihood, livestock owners face a critical absence of veterinary infrastructure, leaving animals without access to essential vaccinations or medical care when illness or exhaustion strikes.
"Working equines play a hugely important role in Ethiopia. As veterinary care, and in particular, knowledge of how to properly care for working equine animals, is severely lacking it often has devastating consequences both for the animals themselves and their owners. The Health Post will be a lifeline to rural villages it will serve, as well as the region more broadly. It is expected to provide benefit over 20,000 working horses, donkeys, and mules every year. We are very grateful for the support of partners like the QATO foundation that make this possible," says Nicola Chevis, Global Director of Programmes, Brooke.
It is not a lack of willingness from animal owners that prevents these animals from receiving the care they desperately need, but rather the absence of a local veterinarian in the region. Without access to veterinary expertise, locals resort to traditional remedies for their animals – approaches that sadly often intensify rather than alleviate the animal’s suffering.
With support from the QATO Foundation, Brooke is constructing a new Animal Health Post in Shashemene, Ethiopia. An Animal Health Post is a small veterinary clinic with an operating room, a laboratory and a pharmacy. In the Shashemene district, this clinic will serve a core group of rural villages with around 20,000 residents, 4,000 working equines and 37,000 livestock animals, as well as benefiting the region more broadly. A total of 20,000 working equines and 80,000 livestock animals will benefit from this clinic annually. Animal owners visiting the Health Post will also receive education in how to care for their animals – including compassionate handling practices and the importance of vaccinations.
In Ethiopia, around 75% of veterinary services are provided by the government and most vets are employees of the state. As part of a long-standing working relationship with both the federal and regional governments, Brooke is responsible for constructing the Health Post and installing the necessary equipment. They will then hand over the site to the government and local community. Brooke will provide training for the staff and continue to monitor the site. The clinic is run by government vets and funded by the state.
Brooke has been involved in the construction of animal infrastructure such as this for many years. Similar clinics in other regions show clear improvement in animal health and welfare.
Brooke is a British equine welfare organisation founded 90 years ago by Dorothy Brooke. After years of helping former warhorses in Cairo, Dorothy expanded her efforts and opened an animal hospital for working animals. Since then, the organisation has grown significantly. In its mission to aid working horses, donkeys and mules in need, Brooke is now active in 13 countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Central America. In 2023, the organisation reached 1.4 million working equines with its support.
