The Brooke non-governmental organisation was founded in 1934 and is dedicated to improving the welfare of working horses, donkeys and mules in the developing world. Its Responsible Tourism for Animals campaign is in its second year. The charity has also developed the ‘Happy Horses Holiday Code’, which will be included in Thomas Cook’s UK & Ireland resort information. This will be provided to holidaymakers in destinations where equine species are used. The code lists ten steps to identifying the well-being of the animal and to secure a healthy future.
Andy Cooper, Director of Government & External Affairs at Thomas Cook Group said in a press release; “Thomas Cook UK & Ireland has been actively addressing sustainability issues for many years. We take responsible tourism very seriously, so we are delighted to support the Brooke’s campaign.”
Kimberly Wells from Brooke’s Animal Welfare team stated, “When people travel overseas their excitement of being on holiday can often overshadow consideration for the welfare of horses and donkeys they use. Whilst a carriage or donkey ride can be fun and also provide a vital income for animal owners, not every horse and donkey is fit for the journey. We are urging tourists to do their bit and work with us to reduce animal suffering across the world. It’s simple: think before you ride.”
Donkey – photo by Martin Usborne Dorothy Brooke’ started the NGO following her visit to Egypt in 1934. She was ‘horrified’ by the gaunt horses ‘being used as beasts of burden on its streets’. They were ex-warhorses used by the British, American and Australian forces. Following her return to England she wrote a letter to The Morning Post;
‘Out here, in Egypt, there are still many hundreds of old Army Horses sold of necessity at the cessation of the War. They are all over twenty years of age by now, and to say that the majority of them have fallen on hard times is to express it very mildly. This country, to begin with, is not suitable to our horses: the heat, dust, want of water, and the fact that European horses are bigger framed and require more food than the poorer class of owner is able to supply, all add very much to their sufferings.’
Her letter resulted in the public sending today’s equivalent of £20,000. And so The Brooke began.
Predominant issues that affect working horses and donkeys include overloading, exhaustion, dehydration, malnutrition, disease and painful injuries. But much of their suffering is preventable with the correct care. The Brooke works in 11 countries across the Middle East, South Asia, Africa and South America, including Egypt, Jordan, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Guatemala, Kenya, Ethiopia, Israel & the West Bank and Nepal.
There are various ways in which everyone can help the campaign: print or download the ‘Happy Horses Holiday Code’ and share with friends and family. Sign up to the campaign or share your stories about equine species used in tourism.
For more information & to get involved visit www.thebrooke.org/travel
