WSPA Launches National Speaking Campaign for Global Equine Welfare

Updated October 20, 2006

The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) announces the launch of a national speaking tour covering nine cities from New York to California. Beginning in Pasadena, Calif., on Wednesday, Oct. 18, at the Pasadena Humane Society, Dr. Elly Hiby, companion animals director for WSPA, will be addressing an important topic that needs immediate attention: The Condition of Working Equines Globally and their Role in Society.

Dr. Hiby will discuss this desperate situation and WSPA's mission, working with 700 Member Societies in 140 countries, to educate and offer services to equine owners radically improving the conditions of the animals and the families who depend on them to survive. WSPA urges you to attend and learn how we can help create a necessary change.

For 25 years, WSPA has worked through local animal welfare groups (Member Societies), to promote the concept of animal welfare in regions of the world where there are few, if any, measures to protect animals.

Their belief that animals should live their lives free from avoidable suffering at the hands of humans has led them to developing countries such as Mongolia, Thailand and Afghanistan where families depend on their equines (donkeys, horses and mules) for survival.

Situations are dire here as the very animals families depend on for survival are dying due to extreme working conditions and poor care. It is commonplace for working equines to carry massive amounts of bricks for new construction, heavy loads of food to market in addition to a rider, or pull a cart, rider and a tremendous amount of cargo over difficult terrain.

The weary equines often work 18 hour days in hot and difficult environmental conditions while experiencing a lack of proper care that leads to health problems including: parasites, disease, lameness, severe harness sores, and heat stress. A scarcity of water and malnutrition further adds to the poor health of equines. Basic care such as proper grooming, shoeing, vaccinations, and routine worming are either unavailable or unknown to many equine owners. Equine owners have few places to turn for help.

"To change this situation requires a change in both the knowledge and behavior of owners and their ability to provide a better standard of care for their equines. This can be done through both teaching and demonstrating good husbandry and providing resources such as affordable and accessible veterinary services and community health workers trained in equine health," states Dr. Hiby.

To support this endeavor, or for more information on Dr. Hiby's speaking tour, locations, dates, and times please visit http://www.wspa-usa.org/WSPA_events.com or call 800/883 9772 ext. 34