The Brooke is the world’s largest international equine welfare charity, dedicated to alleviating the suffering of horses, donkeys and mules who work in the poorest parts of the world and improving the livelihoods of the people who depend on them.
Horses, donkeys and mules are the engines that power the developing world.
Approximately 112 million such animals labor on its roads, fields and farms, beside its river banks, on its highest slopes, in factories and city centers. Literally hundreds of millions of poor people rely on them for their livelihoods. They transport everything from food and water to medicines and people, construction materials and fuel.
These animals form the backbone of the economy in developing countries,
supporting poor communities where people earn less than a dollar a day.
Between five and 20 people are dependent on each of these loyal animals, who toil in some of the world’s toughest environments to bring their owners a daily income.
Poverty and desperation often compel owners to overload and overwork their animals, resulting in a host of injuries which often render animals unable to work.
But much of their suffering is entirely preventable.
The Brooke’s network of mobile veterinary teams, field clinics and community animal health workers provide free care and treatment in conjunction with education and training to promote good, sustainable animal welfare practices. Equally important, we teach entire communities how to care for the animals on whom their lives depend.
Last year alone, thanks to our donors, we reached more than 1.4 million working equine animals, benefitting 7 million poor people.
Our goal is to double the number of animals we reach each year by 2016. We hope you will consider coming alongside us in this merciful work that will improve the welfare of even more animals and benefit even more poor people, with your help.
Founded 80 years ago, the Brooke currently operates in 11 countries across Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America. Our work is underpinned by unique and proven methods developed by Britain’s Bristol University Veterinary School. We have nearly 1,000 highly skilled staff working directly in the field, governed by an international board of directors.
Brooke USA is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charity that was formed in the United States to support the overseas work of the Brooke.