Afghanistan - In March 2003, WSPA and the Brooke Hospital for Animals launched a jointly funded project to provide free veterinary care for working horses and donkeys in the southern Afghan city of Jalalabad. The project will also include an education and training program for equine owners.

In Jalalabad, thousands of people work with horses and donkeys and entire families depend on these animals for their livelihood.

WSPA and the Brooke Hospital have instituted the project at five of the busiest horse and donkey carriage stands, where a team of specially trained local veterinarians treat sick and injured animals. The program also offers saddlery and farrier training.

Many of the animals treated so far have been substantially underweight and are in very poor condition. Badly overgrown teeth and heavy worm infestations prevent the horses from eating and digesting properly, causing malnutrition even when adequate food is provided. Horses are also suffering from overgrown feet, which can cause severe lameness.

The project - aided by the Afghan agency Committee for Rehabilitation Aid to Afghanistan (CRAA) - will also install fresh piped water supplies at carriage stands. This will be a lifesaver for people and animals, especially in the harsh summer months. Currently, the nearest water supply is over three miles away.

Brooke's Veterinary Advisor, Joy Pritchard, explains the importance of the project: "In Jalalabad many equines suffer from lameness, body sores and heat stress. However, both people and equines face intense hardship, which we hope to address, through the provision of free veterinary care and piped water."

Trevor Wheeler, WSPA's Director of Companion Animals, added: "The people of Jalalabad recognize the value of their equines. What they lack is anyone with the necessary expertise to provide health and welfare care for the animals. This is the legacy we hope to leave behind when the project is complete."