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As the losses from cataclysmic floods in Pakistan keep piling up, it is not just humans that have been suffering, hundreds of thousands of cattle and working animals died due to floods and rains across the country.
According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), 727,144 cattle have died since mid-June.
Although there are plenty of NGOs who are currently helping the flood-hit population, not many provide help and medical care regarding cattle and working animals.
Founded by a woman in 1934, Brooke is an international equine welfare organization that is working to ensure healthy working animals for the world’s poorest communities through service delivery, community development and advocacy.
Brooke International started its operation in Pakistan in 1991 with its headquarters in Lahore.
Brooke International team is currently involved in a flood-relief camp in Ramazan Malah area of Thatta, where 29 families and their 85 animals are sheltered. Along with flood-affectees, Brooke is also taking care of the animals.
MM News talked to Dr. Shir Nawaz, the manager of Brook Central regarding their work in flood-hit areas.
“We are working in 40 districts of Pakistan,” Dr Shir Nawaz said “Our main goal is to take care of working animals that are the source of people’s livelihood such as donkeys, horses etc.”
Dr. Shir Nawaz lamented the fact that no animal welfare organization is active in flood-hit areas.
“Although there are NGOs in the cattle welfare field, they don’t care for working animals.” He added.
According to Dr. Nawaz Brooke has been trying to amend the Animal Act, so that all animals receive equal care.
In addition to that, we are also working to change people’s behavior toward animals, especially working animals, and we have made some progress in this regard.
Dr. Habib Leghari, the team leader of Brook International, said that animals weren’t able to sit for days because of the floods, which resulted in crippleness. Moreover, a lot of animals injured their legs in flood water.
“Animals are in poor condition mainly because of hunger as they haven’t eaten in days.” Dr Habib said
Brooke International pleaded with civil society to come forward to help animals in flood-hit areas.
