Working Animals in Conflict Zones: Emergency Welfare

Overview of welfare challenges for working and companion animals in conflict zones.

Key Facts

Horses, donkeys, and dogs are critical working animals in many conflict-affected regions
Animals left behind during evacuation face starvation, injury, and distress
International animal welfare organisations provide emergency response in conflict zones
Animals used by military and police in conflict zones have welfare obligations
Working animals in conflict zones often receive little veterinary care

Welfare Considerations

Animal welfare in conflict zones faces extreme challenges including abandonment, injury, starvation, and lack of veterinary access. Working animals including horses, donkeys, and dogs play critical roles in conflict-affected communities and have welfare needs that require emergency response. Organisations including SPANA, Four Paws, and WSPA provide emergency welfare response. Integrating animal welfare into humanitarian response planning would significantly improve outcomes.

What You Can Do

Support SPANA, Four Paws, and other organisations providing animal welfare in conflict zones
Advocate for animal welfare inclusion in humanitarian response planning
Donate to emergency animal welfare funds responding to conflict situations