By Syed Zahir Ali Shah (Research Team Leader, Brooke Pakistan)
28 Jan 2011

The floods last July have subsided now, but they’ve left a trail of destruction across vast swathes of Pakistan, leaving many animals vulnerable to disease, hunger and thirst.

To rebuild the country, horses and donkeys have been working at the forefront, in the country’s 11,000 brick kilns, carrying loads and collecting rubbish.

The animals’ survival is vital to families and the country.

To assist with rebuilding, the Brooke is helping horses and donkeys with first aid, vaccinations and providing owners with a better understanding of animal welfare.

Being a victim of the floods myself, I saw hundreds of starving and thirsty horses and donkeys. These poor animals had no shelter against the heavy rain. They lost not only their beloved companions but their masters too. Animals suffering from hunger and thirst were refusing to eat or drink because they were so traumatized.

The situation now is very difficult, as horses that suffered in the floods are working hard in brick kilns to help rebuild the country. They’ve had very little veterinary treatment, and minimum amounts of water and food.

Brooke teams are still there, helping out where needed, providing treatment, water, fodder and shelter.

For more information please visit www.thebrooke.org/pakistanbrickkilns