BROOKE NEWS

NEWSBROOKEWINTER 2017

News from Kenya

How changing behaviour changes lives

Innovation brings comfort to the ploughing donkeys of South Africa

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WelcomeThis winter’s edition of Brooke News shows how your support is making a difference to the lives of working animals around the world.

Following the success of our last six-year plan – where we pledged to reach two million working animals by 2016 – we’ve now set out our plans and ambitions for the future. By 2021 we’re determined to reach more animals than ever before and to make a lasting impact on their lives. This means working to influence international policy, as well as continuing to make an impact at local level.

In Kenya, schoolchildren have been learning how to care for their families’ donkeys (page 16); in South Africa, farming donkeys benefit from cleverly designed new equipment (page 20) and in India, we’ve been making sure owners know how to spot the signs of a deadly disease before it becomes an epidemic (page 11).

Everything we do depends on the wonderful support we get from people like you. From making a donation, to helping in your community, there are all kinds of ways you can support our life-changing work. Whether you donate old stamps, jewellery and foreign currency, take part in a run or cycle, or arrange an event in your community, you’ll find plenty of ideas to inspire your fundraising.

However it suits you to help Brooke, you can be confident your support is making a real and lasting difference to the lives of hardworking horses, donkeys and mules.

Petra Ingram Chief Executive

PS The falling pound is making the cost of our work rise, so your donations are more important to us than ever. Thank you for your valuable help over the past year. With your continued support, we’ll make even more impact on the lives of horses, donkeys and mules around the world in 2017.

From Kenya to Pakistan, from Senegal to South America, none of our work would be possible without your invaluable support. Thank you.

SUPPORTING YOU TO SUPPORT US

Without you – our supporters – none of our work would be possible. That’s why we’re always happy to help. Contact our Supporter Care team if you’d like to discuss our work, ask for information, update us on your details, or make a donation. We’re always delighted to hear from you.

Visit www.thebrooke.org

Call 020 7470 9393 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm)

Email [email protected]

Write Brooke, 5th Floor Friars Bridge Court 41-45 Blackfriars Road London SE1 8NZ

Registered Charity No. 1085760

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Dr Dil

Proud to be Brooke

How changing human behaviour changes animals’ lives

Meet Dr Williams, our Veterinary Adviser for Pakistan and India

Children and donkeys in Kenya

How a workshop taught Justice to love horses and donkeys

Making an impact in South Africa

A legacy of love

Find your fundraising style

Editor: Amanda O’Brien Chief Executive: Petra Ingram

Cover Photo: Kenya

All images © Brooke unless otherwise stated. Please note that the majority of our photos are taken by staff in the field to save costs.

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CONTENTS

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Looking back with pride – moving forward with hope

Building bonds locally Over the years we’ve learned that Brooke can do more for the world’s most vulnerable horses, donkeys and mules by inspiring and training others – particularly the people who are very dependent on their working animals . By sharing our knowledge with communities where animal welfare was poorly understood, we’ve watched compassion and understanding blossom. Seeing the improved health and wellbeing of their animals is the greatest reward of all.

People are much more likely to listen to the advice of a friend than that of a stranger. That’s why we work with a network of local people, who are known and respected within their own communities. Brooke-trained local animal-lovers are dedicating themselves to helping others understand what horses, donkeys and mules need to thrive.

Respected around the world In the past six years we’ve also grown in stature and cemented our reputation as a global authority on working equine welfare. The hard work we’ve done has culminated in major breakthroughs – the first set of welfare standards for working horses, donkeys and mules (see pages 8-9) and the UN’s decision to include them as ‘livestock’ (see page 5).

Making more of a difference Looking ahead, our goal is to reach even more working horses, donkeys and mules worldwide with our expertise and make a lasting difference to their lives. With your help, we’re confident we’ll succeed.

www.thebrooke.org 020 7470 93934 Brooke News

Back in 2009, we embarked on a strategy to help two million animals by 2016. Now that 2016 is over we’re absolutely thrilled that we met our target of reaching two million working horses, donkeys and mules last year. I hope you’re as proud as we are of what we’ve achieved together.

It’s taken time and dedication to double the number of animals we reach. Thanks to people like you, we’ve expanded into new countries – like Senegal and Nicaragua. And we’re doing more in the countries where we’re established. In East and West Africa for example, small, local projects have been so successful they now have a substantial regional presence.

To keep up to date with Brooke’s news, visit www.blog.thebrooke.orgfollow @thebrooke on Twitter or like ‘The Brooke Charity’ on Facebook.

Horses, donkeys and mules play a huge role in helping communities produce and access food. They help to plough fields and sow crops; transport food for other animals and help people earn the money they need to buy food. However, until recently UN definitions of livestock only included food animals like cows and sheep. As a result, their needs were often ignored in livestock and food security policy.

A historic achievement On 17 October last year, we had a big success. Brooke played an important role in getting horses, donkeys and mules recognised as ‘livestock’ by the UN. That means that their role in producing and distributing food will be formally acknowledged. What’s more, it will strengthen Brooke’s case to include equines in policies and laws when we work with other governments, as our Chief Executive, Petra Ingram pointed out:

“This achievement is the result of months of negotiations and I’m incredibly proud of our

team for getting us to this point. Brooke’s next challenge is to take this UN endorsement to national governments and help them adapt their livestock policies to include equine welfare.”

A better future for equines Ali Camara from Senegal’s Food Security Council summed up the groundbreaking importance of the UN’s decision:

“ It’s been long recognised that food producing livestock help people to improve their lives and put food on the table. But these beasts of burden, the animals that carry produce and work the land, have been ignored. They need special consideration, so I am delighted to see the CFS (UN Committee for World Food Security) giving them the recognition they deserve. I was proud to speak alongside Brooke at a CFS side event on how we can improve the health and wellbeing of these animals, as well as the people who rely on them.”

Brooke is celebrating a big victory as - thanks to the hard work of our Advocacy Team - the UN includes working

animals in its livestock recommendations

Recognising the role of working horses, donkeys and mules

www.thebrooke.org 020 7470 93936 Brooke News 7

News from Senegal

A good night’s sleep for Amadou and his donkey

In the south-west of Senegal, our community partner UGAN has recruited ‘relays’ – animal lovers trained to pass on vital welfare messages to owners. When a donkey owner called Amadou was visited by his local relay, he didn’t realise just how life-changing that meeting would be.

Nobody in Amadou’s household was getting a decent night’s sleep. Because his donkey didn’t have anywhere to shelter during the night, she was attacked by ‘moutou moutou’ parasites. The itching made her restless and she kept Amadou and his wife awake, so they were constantly tired.”The meeting was extremely beneficial”When a meeting was set up in Amadou’s village by Mustafa Kor, the UGAN relay, he didn’t plan to attend, because he was busy building. But Mustafa was determined that owners should benefit from what he could teach them, so he knocked on Amadou’s door and persuaded him to come along. Amadou learned that donkeys need shelter during the night and that if he followed the advice he was given, moutou moutou would no longer be a problem. He listened and acted straight away.

“After building a shelter and fumigating it every night, the parasites didn’t bother my donkey and she got some rest. As a result, my wife and I got some rest too. My donkey’s welfare has drastically improved and so has mine and my wife’s. I did not realise how dangerous the parasites were and how uncomfortable it was for my donkey.””I changed my mind and my relationship with my donkey”The workshops run by UGAN have taught Amadou many other ways to improve his donkey’s welfare – improving their relationship as well as her health. He’s now a passionate advocate for UGAN’s work:“My challenge was changing my thinking” The best news of all is that Amadou’s donkey is now the healthy mother of two foals – and Amadou’s wife is pregnant too. Now the couple will need to get used to sleepless nights again!

Above, Amadou Thior and Emmanuel Sarr, who is the Regional Representative for Brooke West Africa

To keep up to date with the Brooke, visit blog.thebrooke.org follow @thebrooke on Twitter or like ‘The Brooke’ on Facebook. 7To help Brooke improve animal welfare, donate today by visiting www.thebrooke.org/donate or call 020 7980 7234

Doctor Dil

Take the village of Goli, where we work with our partner UGPM. These guys have been in the area since the 1980s and really know their stuff. Experience has taught them that communities can achieve astonishing things if they really want to. Because alongside the education, the animal health and farriery services we put in place, there’s one magical ingredient that’s needed to change the lives of their horses, forever. A PASSION FOR CHANGEThe secret is a real passion for change. Sometimes this happens because we unlock a rich seam of compassion that was just below the surface. Sometimes it’s because healthy strong animals can help people overcome their daily challenges. Usually it’s a bit of both.

However it’s expressed, this energy defines really great community development. We’re getting it right more and more. And, as we do, our respect for the communities we work with deepens.A COMMUNITY THAT CARESI arrived in Goli to the sound of raised voices. But this was no squabble. What I had overheard was passion, as members of the village discussed the success of Brooke’s work there. There were no passive bystanders. Every individual knew what they wanted, and every one of them had great ideas about who they could work with to further improve their animals’ welfare. This is the sort of commitment we are seeing more and more, and it’s very good news for the animals we help.After the meeting, the debate continued. One by one, owners brought out their horses and donkeys for their fellow villagers to examine and assess. Using a simple traffic light system, where red indicated no improvement and green indicated good animal welfare, villagers looked at everything from hooves, to wounds, to overall condition. When one lady’s horse scored a full house of ‘greens’, the cheers and whoops just about blew my ears off. I’ve seen Manchester United score a winning goal in extra time twice, but Old Trafford had nothing on this!”WE WANT TO BE BETTER”So thank you Goli for an inspiring day. We have some more work to do there – fodder to be planted for the dry season, building more shelters – but I left knowing these animals were in safe hands. Just before I left, a lady called Nogaye Samb, summed up what the traffic light system means to them: “It challenges us” she said simply. “If we don’t get all greens, we want to be better next time.”

Brooke’s Director of Animal Welfare and Sustainability, Dr Dil Peeling shares his unique global perspective on our work. I really enjoy reading colleagues’ stories about how our work has helped animals. But if I were to pick up a copy of this newsletter in, say, five years time, and find we’re still helping animals in the same village, we will have failed. Success for Brooke is when animals and their owners do not need us anymore. I saw this during my recent visit to Senegal.


Worldwide welfare standards for working horses, donkeys and mules are agreed

PROUD TO BE BROOKE

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) is made up of Chief Veterinary Officers from 180 countries. It’s responsible for improving the health of animals internationally, so it was an important victory when they accepted standards for the welfare of working equids last May. We’ve been working closely with the OIE for more than three years to support them in developing the standards. At the same time we’ve been engaging with national governments to increase their understanding of the standards and encourage them to make sure they’re adopted.We’re delighted these standards very much reflect Brooke’s own position on what a working horse, donkey or mule needs.Next steps and fresh challengesOf course, our work does not end here. Making sure the standards are taken up around the world is a mammoth task, which can only be achieved by everyone involved working together. Brooke is already supporting individual countries to implement them. This might mean raising awareness of the standards among decision makers, or providing training and resources. We’ll also be taking every opportunity to highlight the standards – such as when veterinary training courses are updated or when new local laws are drafted.Although the standards are not legally binding, it’s much easier to talk to governments and institutions about the welfare of working horses, donkeys and mules when they have formally agreed to work to these standards.Working togetherTo maintain momentum, and achieve more it’s important we work in partnership with others. With that in mind we’re joining with the other leading equine welfare charities in the UK to support the OIE and its member states to implement the standards. Pooling our expertise and experience and speaking with one voice will help working equines enjoy the benefits of the hard work that has gone into developing these global welfare standards.

“ These guidelines represent the missing piece of the puzzle when it comes to animal welfare. At Brooke we often say that the horses, donkeys and mules of the world are the invisible workers, because in terms of their welfare, their needs have been largely overlooked. There is little being done at a government or international level. These standards will help us to change that.”

Karen Reed, Senior Vet and Brooke’s Head of Animal Welfare Capacity, one of the experts who helped the OIE to develop the new standards.

9To help Brooke reach more animals in need, donate today by visiting www.thebrooke.org/donate or call 020 7980 7234

What a working equine needsBrooke recommends a range of welfare essentials that horses, donkeys and mules are entitled to including:

A healthy diet Because they’re natural grazers, they need a fibre-based diet. Wherever possible, they should be allowed to forage for food and have breaks during the working day for grazing.

Water to drink Safe drinking water is vital – particularly for working animals who often labour in hot, dry and dusty conditions and can’t tell their owners when they’re thirsty.

Comfortable shelter Working horses, donkeys and mules need somewhere to shelter when they are at work and rest. As well as protecting them from the elements, predators and injuries, it should be airy and cleaned regularly.

Space to behave naturally From rolling to grooming themselves, working equines should be able to express their natural behaviour.

Correct handling and equipment Working animals shouldn’t have to endure being restrained unnecessarily. Nor should they be subjected to unsuitable equipment, overloading, beating, whipping or cruel traditional practices. Handlers should be alert to signs that they may be suffering.

Good healthcare Owners and handlers should be able to spot the signs of poor health, illness, injuries and distress and seek a qualified vet or animal health professional.


This April marks 100 years since the United States entered World War I. As part of the year-long commemoration, Brooke USA has launched Horse Heroes - a campaign to celebrate our roots and raise money for Brooke’s continued work.

Horse Heroes was inspired by Old Bill, the war horse Dorothy Brooke wrote about so movingly – and who helped inspire her to start Brooke’s lifesaving work.

World-renowned sculptor Alexa King has used Dorothy’s photograph to create a two-dimensional medal of Old Bill, as he might have looked before years of war and servitude took their toll. The image features on the logo for Horse Heroes. Read more about Horse Heroes at www.HorseHeroes.org

OLD BILL – THE ORIGINAL HORSE HERODorothy came across the horse she called Old Bill in 1931. He became the symbol of her work and inspired her to rescue many more war horses like him. She wrote about the time they met in her diary:

“ I stood staring at him. Heaven knows the other horses were bad enough but somehow he was different. Obviously he had been a good horse, once. He had been happy and well fed. He had known our green fields, had been groomed and cared for. He had moreover served in Palestine and had suffered hardships as few horses have endured in modern times. And then we had sold him into this.”

News from Brooke USA

Our friends and colleagues in the States are finding new ways to help working horses, donkeys and mules.

‘BUY A DONKEY A DRINK’ SUCCESS Thanks to our generous supporters in the States, Brooke USA’s ‘Buy a Donkey a Drink’ campaign raised enough money to fund five permanent water troughs in Ethiopia.

The team are making sure each one benefits as many animals as possible by installing them in marketplaces and other areas where large numbers congregate.

These troughs will provide a lifetime’s access to water for around 13,500 horses, donkeys and mules, as well as thousands of other animals. Brooke Ethiopia estimates that they will help save the lives of around 45% of equines in the area. What an incredible result!

In honour of the horse who started it all

DR ASHEESH SPOTS THE SYMPTOMS Dr Asheesh immediately spotted the signs of the disease Glanders. He knew there was no time to lose. First he contacted the Chief Veterinary Officer, who confirmed his diagnosis. Sadly, it was too late to save Tejpal’s animals – but he was compensated by the Indian government and trained to recognise the signs of the disease in future.

“I am happy that Dr Asheesh and his team guided us through the tough times and I’m sure they will continue to provide their expert guidance in coming days” Tejpal said.

The training Tejpal received paid off, because not long after he spotted signs of the disease in his friend’s animals and reported it to Dr Asheesh, who made sure the appropriate authorities were informed.

SAFEGUARDING ANIMALS FROM DISEASENow the priority was stopping the disease from spreading. Brooke learnt that owners were reluctant to report the disease because they received so little compensation if their animals had to be put down. Negotiations followed and the amount the Indian government paid was raised – a big boost for Brooke’s efforts to control Glanders.

To control future outbreaks, the local Brooke team also ran workshops helping owners to spot the symptoms early – as Tejpal learned to do – advising them to isolate suspected cases and report them. We also shared lifesaving information with a whole range of people from local healthcare providers and farriers to government veterinary officers .

Thanks to Brooke India, more animals will be safe from this deadly disease in the future.

To keep up to date with the Brooke, visit blog.thebrooke.org follow @thebrooke on Twitter or like ‘The Brooke’ on Facebook.

Saving lives in India

11To help Brooke’s work around the world, donate today by visiting www.thebrooke.org/donate or call 020 7980 7234

The animals started to have nosebleeds and struggled to breathe. As the symptoms got worse, Tejpal became increasingly anxious. A relative recommended Brooke and soon our vet Dr Asheesh Pratap Singh arrived in Tejpal’s village.

When brick kiln worker Tejpal Prajapati noticed worrying symptoms in his horses, donkeys and mules he was desperate to help.


Best behaviour BROOKE AS CHANGE-MAKERSWhen a ground-breaking conference was held on how changing human behaviour can change animals’ lives, Brooke was there.

“Watching Brooke staff presenting and sharing their experiences from around the world was a real ‘Proud to be Brooke’ moment.” Kimberly Wells, Senior Welfare Adviser, Brooke

Kinder owners in Kenya

A better life for brick kiln donkeys

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In the brick kilns of Peshawar, Pakistan, donkeys work for up to 14 hours a day – with nowhere to rest or shelter from the sun and not enough to drink. Brooke worked with the brick kiln owners and the animal owners. We explained what the donkeys needed – and the benefits of happier, healthier animals. Everyone worked together to build two new sheds. The kiln owners provided bricks, the

In one town we helped to transform the way owners treat their donkeys. Whipping with painful rubber whips used to be commonplace as a way for owners to drive and handle their donkeys. Today, it’s almost unheard of. Now drivers use soft sisal whips as guides rather than a means of punishment.We spread animal welfare messages through the media and worked with owners and local organisations to raise awareness . At the same time, we liaised with the police and legal system to make sure animal protection laws were observed. Today rubber whips are virtually extinct in Mwea.

To help Brooke’s work around the world, donate today by visiting www.thebrooke.org/donate or call 020 7980 7234

Last September, experts gathered in Surrey for the first International Conference on Human Behaviour Change for Animal Welfare.’Brooke is leading the way’We were proud that our role in driving change was widely recognised and respected. And we used this opportunity to spread vital animal welfare messages by handing out our indispensable Sharing the Load manual – a unique and invaluable guide to improving animal welfare by working together – along with our top tips for changing human behaviour.Sparking positive changeSo how do we inspire people to change? The key is understanding what makes them tick, the challenges they face and the reasons they behave in certain ways. That’s why we get to know the communities we work with and collaborate closely with them. Everyone is an individual, and no two communities are the same – so we’re committed to testing new approaches. We never stop experimenting, learning, sharing and expanding our expertise in the field. The conference made it clear that our approach is paying off. Our expertise was respected and mixing with like-minded professionals was helpful for us too.Ten inspiring talks Our ten speakers covered a whole range of topics – from the value of giving women in Pakistan a greater role in animal welfare, to harnessing modern technology in India and changing the way animals are handled in Guatemala. Read on for an insight into some of the ideas we shared.

Texting tips in India

owners laid them – and Brooke covered the cost of other materials. Before long, the donkeys moved into airy sheds with a space reserved for feeding and a supply of water. Soon word spread and similar sheds sprang up at 16 nearby kilns. Today, almost every kiln in the area has new shelters and the donkeys now have shade and water.

In India, Brooke has been capitalising on the fact that more and more people have mobile phones. After carrying out local research, we found that texts and voice messages were a quick and effective way for owners to support and improve their animals’ health – whatever their language or literacy level. The messages include:

weather warnings – so owners take appropriate precautions to avoid heat stress or the effects of cold temperatures

reminders – so animals don’t miss vaccinations and health checks welfare tips – reminding owners of important measures like keeping

their animals’ hooves and eyes clean.Now owners in 22 Indian districts are supported to make sure their animals are enjoying better health and welfare.

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You’ve been with Brooke for eight months now, what made you join the team?

I’ve followed Brooke’s work closely for the past ten years and – having seen first hand the plight of working animals in developing countries – I’ve always wanted to be part of it. When this job came up I jumped at the chance.

What does your job involve?

It’s really varied! I work directly with teams across India and Pakistan and with more than 160 vets across all Brooke’s country programmes. A key part of the job is training and supporting local vets, paravets

and other animal healthcare professionals, so they have the practical skills, up-to-date knowledge, medicine and equipment they need to treat animals and pass on vital welfare messages. We help them to be self-sufficient, so we can expand into other areas and pass on our skills to new communities.

Another important part of my work is managing our online resources. Our vet discussion forum allows Brooke vets from all around the world to upload questions and photos and benefit from the expertise of their peers. Our teams can also learn and update

their skills through our online courses.

What is the purpose of your trips abroad?

During my regular trips to India and Pakistan, I work closely with our veterinary teams to develop their clinical and mentoring skills. I also make sure they’re comfortable and capable in adapting best practice to their individual situations. I also encourage learning from across our different programmes. For example, I recently went to a workshop in Kenya, attended by senior vets from around the world. We talked about

the challenges we all face and how we can address them. For instance, one vet in Ethiopia was instrumental in making sure the most common equine painkiller

– phenylbutazone – was available right across the country!

What evidence have you seen that Brooke is making a difference?

It’s really great to see the impact Brooke is having, not only on horses and donkeys, but on the wider community. I visited a Qalandar community in India – a marginalised ethnic group famous for breeding working horses. Although we didn’t share a language, we were able to communicate very clearly about the changes they’d made and their impact.

As well as proudly showing us healthy horses with access to clean water, good quality food and grazing and safe shelter, the community drew a grid on the ground, showing how what they’ve learned from Brooke has improved the health and welfare of their horses. On the ‘before Brooke’ side, a number of little cane horses they’d made were lying down; on the ‘after Brooke’ side, most of the little horses were standing

– showing how many more were now surviving, thanks to

improvements in husbandry, training of local healthcare providers and improved access to their services. The oil container showing how they used to try to clean wounds had been replaced by clean water. And a mobile phone showed that they could now call for help and advice if an animal was in poor health. It was a delight to see their pride in the improvements they’d made and the long-lasting impact it was having on both the animals and their owners and families.

What do you feel are the main challenges Brooke faces?

Difficult working conditions that both animals and their owners face are the biggest challenge for me. I was struck by this when I visited the brick kilns in Pakistan. Temperatures rose to over 50ºC and both horses and owners have little

or no rest, limited shade and backbreaking loads to carry. The workers wear wooden clogs, because their rubber flip-flops would melt and cloth wrapped round their fingers to protect them from the hot bricks. The horses suffer from harness wounds, hoof problems, lameness and severe heat stress.

We concentrate on doing what we can to make their working day easier. We can provide troughs, so horses can have a refreshing drink while their owners load up their carts. We can support owners to make sure saddlepacks are comfortable and wounds are treated. And, when the working day is over, we can help ensure the horses have nourishing food, fresh water, somewhere comfortable to rest and room to roll and stretch.

What new plans do you have for the year ahead?

I’ll be working with master farriers to improve hoofcare and shoeing practices and supporting the team to pass on these vital skills to local street farriers in India and Pakistan.

In conversation with Dr Shereene Williams

To help Brooke reach more animals in need, donate today by visiting www.thebrooke.org/donate or call 020 7980 7234

We were delighted when Brooke’s Veterinary Adviser for Pakistan and India spared the time to share some fascinating insights into her work.

We’ll bring you more news from members of our team in future issues of Brooke News


Putting donkeys on the agendaIn May, the very first National Donkey Welfare Conference was held in Kenya – organised by Brooke and our partners. The people who attended included government representatives, community organisations, vets and donkey owners. The conference looked at the contribution donkeys make to livelihoods and how to care for, protect and value them.

‘We care about our donkeys’

At Kiamanyeki Primary School in Mwea, Kenya, the way people treat their donkeys has transformed – thanks to a children’s club.Every Monday and Thursday, at 2pm, a group of children gather in their classroom for the Donkey Care Club. Music teacher and club founder Monicah Gichira explains what they do:“We talk about the five freedoms* of the donkey.

We put that into drawing, reciting poems, writing essays, plays and singing. It’s an effective way to train pupils in donkey welfare because it is memorable and they learn more.”

Since eight-year-old Joyce Mwende started to go to the club with her big sister Alice, their donkeys have enjoyed a better life. The first thing the girls do each day is give their donkeys water and food. And as soon as they finish school, they take them to graze and pick forage for them before feeding and watering them again.“At the Donkey Care Club I have learnt that donkeys need water and food. I love my donkeys because they help to feed me”, Joyce explains.

’Children are the voice of the donkey’The pupils are changing their parents’ behaviour too, as Monicah told us:“When I started the club I was afraid parents wouldn’t allow their children to be in it because you aren’t supposed to be associated with the donkey. But the community started to enjoy the work we’re doing. They have an open heart and embrace the change. The children are ambassadors for the donkey. Their message can filter to their families and communities.”Joyce’s father is just one parent who has changed his ways, thanks to his daughters:“They tell me when they think I am overloading my donkeys. I know if my donkey isn’t looked after the children will be sad, so I make sure I look after them. My donkeys’ health has improved a lot because of my children’s knowledge.”Families also benefit from the Donkey Care Club garden, where the children grow bananas,

’I love my donkeys because they help to feed me’

pumpkins, peppers and cabbages, (fertilised by donkey manure) which are eaten at school, sold to parents and given to children from struggling families.Today, the donkeys of Mwea are happier and healthier than ever before. Every pupil’s donkeys are visited each term to check on their welfare and many more animals now have shelters. What’s more, the community have learned to value the animals they live alongside.

*The five freedoms outline the basic needs of an animal, which should be met.


To help Brooke work with more communities like this, donate today by visiting www.thebrooke.org/donate or call 020 7980 7234

19www.thebrooke.org 020 7470 939318 Brooke News

Day 1 After introducing ourselves and identifying our aims and

expectations we were asked to imagine how we would

care for a newly-discovered creature, giving us a fresh

perspective on the knowledge we already had.

Day 2 We practised new skills that we could share – such

as learning how to make a rope halter and use it

properly. On a visit to the local market we observed

and recorded animal behaviour and how they

interact with their owners.

Day 3 We discovered how to pass on what we learned about

making a halter; we increased our understanding

with a ‘true or false’ exercise about equine behaviour

and we were introduced to Brooke’s Sharing the

Load manual.

Day 4 I came face to face with a donkey as I learned the

best way to handle them – I even tried my hand at

grooming. We had a race to see who was fastest at

a quick-release knot and learned when and why it’s

helpful. And we teamed up to find short and long-

term creative solutions to helping animals in

a typical scenario.

Day 5 A day of debating, questions and answers and

reviewing the video footage we filmed in the field.

At the end of the afternoon I felt enlightened and

inspired to pass on all the things I’ve learned.

‘How I learned to love horses and donkeys’

My name is Justice Nnyigide and I help Brooke West Africa spread their lifesaving messages. A Brooke workshop didn’t just teach me a great deal about horses and donkeys, it taught me to love them.When I joined this amazing and compassionate organisation I had little knowledge of horses and donkeys. My skills and experience in communications were needed. Brooke wanted me to highlight and share with supporters the progressive positive impact the work of our vets and community engagement staff is having on working equines.I used to entertain a certain dread of horses. My childhood experience, watching war movies, had made me believe that these animals were unpredictable and nervous. Then I took part in a five-day animal welfare and handling workshop run by Brooke’s UK animal welfare specialists – who came to Senegal purposely to build our knowledge and skills in equine welfare. It was a turning point in my life.

‘I’m growing in compassion – and passion for my job’For the first time, I learned how to approach an equine, I could touch it, even lift the hooves and open the mouth. I noticed that these animals are sentient; we could share emotions and that they are more relaxed and friendly with a kind owner. That’s how these animals became endearing to me. The more I get to see and feel first-hand the sufferings of these animals and the effects of behaviour change on them, the more compassionate and passionate I become about my job. It’s worrying to see an equine owner overburden their animal or not provide proper healthcare. Since that workshop, I have never hesitated to patiently educate an owner on animal welfare and proper handling, and the resulting benefits to the owner.

FIVE DAYS THAT CHANGED MY LIFEOver the course of the workshop, we were taken on a journey – here are some of the things we learned.

19To help Brooke change hearts and minds like this, donate today by visiting www.thebrooke.org/donate or call 020 7980 7234

BROOKE’S AMAZING RESOURCES Presentations, hand-outs, exercises and activities brought problems and solutions to life and involved us in questioning, problem-solving and reviewing. ‘Sharing the Load’ - Brooke’s comprehensive manual of equine welfare - was a unique and invaluable resource at the workshop, as it is for Brooke teams working with communities around the world.


The pain of ploughing In South Africa’s Eastern Cape donkeys work up to six hours a day in the ploughing season. It’s hard work – made even more difficult because owners use equipment designed for oxen. This isn’t just inefficient and painful – it can cause serious damage.The weight the donkeys pull puts pressure on their necks, causing spinal injuries. And because the harness design means they can’t use their strong shoulders for pulling, or their hindquarters to brake, they may fracture their pelvises and other bones. What’s more, a poor fit rubs the animal’s skin raw.Fit for purposeFACE has been working on comfortable new equipment, designed with donkeys in mind.

This will mean donkeys can use their chest and shoulders to pull and their muscular hindquarters to carry the weight. The design will also help them to brake, go backwards and turn easily and weight will be evenly distributed. Because it has no restrictive neck yoke, the donkeys can hold their heads normally and move confidently.As well as designing the equipment, FACE is arranging for local Donkey Champions to be trained in how to use it. And they’ll learn how to weave their own from easily available materials, like plastic bags. What a wonderful innovation! This clever new equipment promises to change the lives of South Africa’s donkeys for years to come.

In 2015 our Small Initiatives Fund (now renamed the Innovation Fund) supported a great organisation called Farm Animals Centre for Education (FACE) in South Africa. We were so impressed by their Donkey Champions project that we’re funding another great idea they’ve proposed – to help the donkeys who work hard ploughing fields. FACE has developed brilliant donkey-friendly equipment, enabling animals to pull a plough without needless pain and discomfort. And they’re making sure communities are trained to make their own.

21For more information on ways to support Brooke, go to www.thebrooke.org/get-involved

Designed for donkeys

New ways to back Brooke

THE REWARDS OF RECYCLING Are you wondering what to do with the loose change from your last holiday? Do you have a necklace or earrings you just don’t wear? Now you can use it to help Brooke. Recycling for Good Causes will take your unwanted foreign currency and jewellery and pay Brooke 75% of its resale value. Visit www.recyclingforgoodcauses.org for more information and to download your Freepost labels.

There are so many ways to support Brooke, at home, out and about, or at work. Whichever one you choose, you can be confident you’ll be helping us to reach the working

horses, donkeys and mules who need us so much.

MAKE A BREW FOR BROOKE We’re delighted to pair up with award-winning tea company Hope & Glory – bringing hope to the glorious animals we support! For every order you place you’ll get a 5% discount – and we’ll get 5% of the value of your order to help our work. Visit www.thehopeandglory.co.uk to order, using the discount code ‘Brooke’.

MAKE YOURSELF HEARD Whether you’ve got experience of public speaking or acting – or simply enjoy the sound of your own voice – you can put your words to good use and help Brooke to raise awareness. If you’re willing to talk about Brooke’s work at a local school, college or community group – such as the Women’s Institute or the Rotary Club – we’d be really grateful for your help. Visit www.thebrooke.org/speakers to find out more and express your interest.

GIVE AS YOU EARN This brilliant scheme allows you to donate tax-free to Brooke through your pay packet, making your gift worth up to 40% more. Speak to your boss or HR manager about setting up payroll giving. Or, if you’re an employer and would like to pick Brooke as your charity of choice, please get in touch with Edwina Silvester by emailing [email protected] or calling 020 7653 5848.

Did you know used postage stamps could help hardworking horses, donkeys and mules? Keep your old stamps – wherever they come from – and ask your friends and family to do the same. Fundraising Stamps Ltd will pay us for the stamps you collect. Visit www.fundraisingstamps.com/brooke for more information and to request your Freepost envelopes.


Susan Hughes, Legacy Manager

Phone: 020 7653 5816 Email: [email protected] Visit: www.thebrooke.org/legacies

When I took on the role of Legacy Manager at Brooke, I felt privileged to have the opportunity to work for a cause I feel passionate about – an organisation that is transforming the lives of vulnerable working horses, donkeys and mules around the world.I live in a rural village, where I am fortunate enough to be surrounded by a community of horse-lovers. In fact, my home backs onto common land, which people can rent for their horses. I remember

one season when we had three horses grazing the land, who were much loved and cared for. I spent hours staring over the garden fence and out through my bedroom window at these beautiful and peaceful creatures, feeling lucky to be in their presence. My respect for horses is one of the main reasons I feel moved to do whatever I can to help ease equine suffering across the globe. I hope my role at Brooke will help me do so.I am inspired by Brooke’s work to relieve animal suffering and the happy consequences of helping local communities and people at the same time. For example, within my first few days at Brooke, I had the opportunity of hearing about Brooke’s work in India, from our Animal Welfare and Sustainability Team who had recently visited. The team had helped at an equine fair in the intense heat. There they’d shared their specialist veterinary skills and knowledge with others, helping to ensure that Brooke’s work made an impact that lasted well beyond their visit. Hearing how the team had helped and the long-term difference their visit would make was very moving. I felt grateful to all Brooke supporters who helped make this happen, thanks to their generous donations and gifts in Wills. In my new role, I’m working alongside Verity Owers, Legacy Relationship Officer, to thank supporters like you for your interest in our work and to tell you about the ways your generosity is changing animals’ lives. I’m also here to answer any questions you may have about gifts in Wills to Brooke and how they make a difference. Please feel free to contact Verity or I at any time. Together, we can move towards a world in which working horses, donkeys and mules are free from suffering.

A legacy of love

We’re delighted to welcome our new Legacy Manager, Susan Hughes, to the team.

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Diana Taylor set up a Brooke Tribute Fund for her father, Bob CunninghamWhen Dad died in June 2004, I had already been a supporter of Brooke for several years. I know he would have loved them for the same reasons I do. Brooke always assists, but never passes judgement. They understand that it’s ignorance and grinding poverty that are the real problems. They inspire people in the countries where they work to train as vets and go back and work for Brooke. Like Brooke, Dad was always on the side of those who were unable to help themselves too.He bought me my first ponyDad always appreciated my love of animals, especially horses, and bought me my first pony when I was 16 years old. He worked his socks off fencing our acre and a half of land for Cochise. It was the most natural thing in the world to open a Tribute Fund in Dad’s memory. I am in a happy position that I need for nothing, so I always ask for money for Brooke for Christmas and birthday presents. Also, it is helpful that I am self-employed, so if I have a good month, I ask one of my clients to pay Brooke instead of me – a very tax efficient way to help!I know Dad would be proud and happy if he knew about his Tribute Fund – I am still amazed by the amount I have raised during the 12 years since I started it.

“Dad would be proud”

For more information on tribute funds, go to www.thebrooke.org/tribute

Would you like to set up a Tribute Fund?You can remember someone special in a unique and enduring way when you set up a tribute fund. It’s quick and easy to create, and you can customise it with personal photos, music and memories. By donating and asking friends and family to do the same, you can watch your fund grow and make a difference – just like Diana has.

Over £20,000 has been raised for Brooke through the Bob Cunningham Tribute Fund. A big thank you to Diana and everyone who helped her.

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FIND YOUR FUNDRAISING STYLE

25Contact the team on 020 7470 9393 or email [email protected] to find out more. Or visit www.thebrooke.org/get-involved

It’s back-breaking work being a brick kiln donkey. Little Mithu struggled to carry three tonnes of unbaked bricks up a steep bank in Pakistan in blistering heat. Every day he repeated that journey 25 times. Until his legs gave way. Mohammed, Mithu’s owner acted right away. Although he was only paid a penny for each ten bricks – he depended on his donkey.Brooke’s vet spent two and a half hours with Mithu. He took the load from his back and treated him for dehydration and exhaustion. Then Brooke supported Mohammed to understand his donkey’s needs better, so he wouldn’t suffer so much again.“I will never overload him again” Mohammed said, “It won’t increase my income or Mithu’s health.”Order your Brooke bricks and find out more by calling our Events and Community Fundraising Team on 020 7470 9393 or emailing [email protected]

Are you a ‘curious beast’, a ‘social creature’ or an ‘active animal’? Everyone has their own unique style – including our wonderful fundraisers! Here are some ideas for how you can raise money for Brooke in your own individual way.

All together nowIf you’re a ‘social creature’ there are all kinds of ways you can enjoy some company while you raise money to help hardworking horses, donkeys and mules.

CELEBRATE WITH US Give a wonderful present to horses, donkeys and mules when you follow Samira Daya’s lead and ask for charitable donations instead of presents. Samira had a fantastic birthday party and raised £150 for Brooke.Thank you Samira!Whatever you’re celebrating – a birthday, a wedding, an anniversary or Friday night – use it as an excuse to raise money for Brooke. We’ll provide the balloons and invitations!

JOIN A GROUPOur friendly Fundraising Groups and Brooke Champions will suit sociable types. To find out more – including your nearest group and their latest events visit www.thebrooke.org/fundraising-groups

DO YOUR OWN THINGTake a tip from Elaine Green and her daughter Emma who invited friends, neighbours and family to an unforgettable event in aid of Brooke. Everyone had a wonderful time enjoying husky dog races, a raffle, Shetland ponies, heavy horses and plenty of tea and cake. They raised an incredible £1,500.Why not organise your own event to help animals in need? What you do is up to you – and we’ll be here to support you in any way we can. Call the team on 020 7470 9393, email [email protected] or visit www.thebrooke.org/do-your-own-thing

Building a better life for donkeys If you’re a ‘curious beast’ who likes to be a bit different, why not get involved in raising money with our original Brooke brick collection boxes? They’re a real one-off.

Three ways you can help hardworking little donkeys like Mithu:1. Order a Brooke brick collection

box for your home and fill it with loose change.

2. Organise a collection in your area. Why not place a Brooke collection tin in your local community?

3. Sign up to be a collection volunteer, raising funds for us.


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To sign up, check out our fundraising challenges in more detail, or tell us about your own challenge or event, visit www.thebrooke.org/challenge-events Email [email protected]

adidas Silverstone Half Marathon 12 March 2017A brilliant run, which starts and finishes at the historic Silverstone motor racing circuit. The flat course is ideal for beginners, or for those aiming to beat their personal best. If you have your own place or would like to get a place, head to www.thebrooke.org/adidas

Virgin Money London Marathon 23 April 2017

The capital’s best-known running event is an unforgettable experience. If you have a ballot place and would like to join Team Brooke, please get in touch.

Vitality London 10,000 29 May 2017

Starting and finishing in beautiful St James’s Park, this 10km run takes you past London landmarks including St Paul’s Cathedral, the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye and Buckingham Palace. A great springtime run for beginners.

Great North Run 10 September 2017

This 13.1 mile route takes runners through Newcastle upon Tyne’s city centre and over the famous Tyne Bridge. Don’t miss out on an atmospheric event – and one of the world’s best-known half marathons.

Royal Parks Half Marathon 8 October 2017

Brooke’s most popular running event starts and finishes in London’s magnificent Hyde Park and takes in Green Park, St James’s Park and Kensington Gardens, as well as other iconic sights.

27Contact the team on 020 7470 9393 or email [email protected] to find out more. Or visit www.thebrooke.org/run

If running isn’t your style, don’t despair – try one of our alternatives.

V02 Cycling Sportive 12 March 2017Pep up your pedal power by joining 500 riders in an event taking part over three distances - to suit all cyclists, from novices to experts. Starting in Hildenborough, the route around Kent and Sussex promises to be an enjoyable, but challenging day.

For every rider entered, £5 will go to Brooke.

Alternative challenges

GET ACTIVE FOR BROOKEWhether you’re the kind of creature who likes to go at a gallop, or prefers to maintain a steady trot, there’s a physical challenge to suit you, so unleash your active animal.

This year, we’re offering charity places at more running events than ever before. So why not join Team Brooke? Not only will you have fun, improve your fitness and enjoy a great atmosphere – you’ll be raising much-needed funds for hardworking horses, donkeys and mules.

Wonderful walksFrom the Thames Path Challenge and the Cornish Coast to Coast, to an Icelandic Lava Trek, or a sponsored walk with your dog, check out www.thebrooke.org/adventures for our walking events, or visit www.thebrooke.org/dog-walkOr, if you’d prefer to organise your own walking event, get started by downloading our useful pack at www.thebrooke.org/walkon

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Your gift for the future With a gift in your Will, you can transform the lives of working animals far into the future. Together, we can reach millions of horses, donkeys and mules every year. So please help us in the most powerful way you can – by leaving a gift in your Will to Brooke.

When you leave a gift in your Will, your kindness can do so much: • Transform the lives of horses, donkeys and mules by

working with owners and communities to increase the impact of our work.

• Inspire future generations to nurture and protect their animals, so they can live free from needless suffering.

• Expand Brooke’s work to reach millions more working animals in new communities and countries.

For more information about gifts in Wills to Brooke, call 020 7470 9343, email [email protected] or visit www.thebrooke.org/legacies

Registered Charity No. 1085760

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