Heart-breaking footage shows brutal conditions endured by working animals in India

dailystar.co.uk:

animals are under constant threat of injury and illness – from wounds and lameness, to colic, respiratory conditions, and skin diseases such as mange.

The footage and photos were released by SPANA (the Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad), which improves the welfare of working animals in low-income countries, including providing essential veterinary care.

Speaking ahead of World Animal Day on October 4, chief executive Linda Edwards said: “Working animals, like the camels working in the brick kilns of Rajasthan, perform vital roles in the world’s most impoverished communities. “However, they are often completely over-looked, and many people are unaware about the extreme conditions they face.“Sadly, many working animals endure exceptionally harsh conditions, often carrying excessive loads in sweltering heat across tough terrain.“Their welfare is often very poor – they lack access to water, shelter, and veterinary care.”Through its mobile clinics, SPANA treated more than 9,300 camels at the brick kilns in India with much needed veterinary care in the country last year.Working closely with camel owners, the charity offers training and advice to help people care properly for their animals, and to avoid preventable problems.This includes educating owners about adequate nutrition and the use of safe and comfortable equipment for their animals.Globally, more than 200 million working animals make it possible for poverty-stricken families to earn a small income and survive.By doing the jobs of trucks, tractors, and taxis – and transporting goods, food, water, and firewood – these horses, donkeys, camels, mules, and elephants support the livelihoods of more than half a billion people.But in many parts of the world,.