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Emergency appeal to help donkeys and horses caught in Gaza conflict

Trevor Wheeler from WSPA helping equines in war torn Kabul

Abigail Butcher, H&H news editor

20 January, 2009

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An emergency appeal has been launched to save the lives of animals caught up in the Gaza conflict.

The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) has launched the appeal to help provide first aid and drugs for animals injured in Gaza.

WSPA plans to work with the Palestine Wildlife Society and Let the Animals Live (Israel) — both groups that are members of WSPA.

Trevor Wheeler, WSPA’s Middle East director said: “We have given over $10,000 of aid to our member charities, including the Palestine Wildlife Society, for animal first aid and drugs.”

Although information is hard to gather, Mr Wheeler (pictured with a vet) says photographic evidence and reports from Gaza show that donkeys and horses have been killed or seriously injured by collapsed buildings and shrapnel.

He added: “Although the team will provide aid for donkeys and horses, they expect to come across many pets that will also need their expert care.

"Many pets such as cats and dogs will have been separated from their owners."

Sheep, goats and cattle and even animals at a Gaza zoo which was apparently booby trapped during the conflict are in desperate need of veterinary care to treat broken limbs, wounds and burns. They also need protection against disease and infection.

Horses and donkeys are heavily relied upon by communities in Gaza, for transportation and livelihoods.

The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) is the world’s largest alliance of humane societies and animal protection organisations, representing over 950 member societies in more than 150 countries.

To donate, visit http://donate.wspa.org.uk/gazaemergency


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