Improving the lives of Colombia’s working horses
In the slums of Colombia’s capital, up to 7,000 horses work transporting goods, food and waste. Around 18,000 people in the city depend on working horses for their income.
The horses are often overloaded, overworked and mistreated. Without the adequate food, clean water and health care they need, the horses’ working lives are miserable and cut short.
WSPA is working with member society Fundación El Refugio Animal, San Martín University and Bogota’s police to improve the lives of the horses and their owners.
Building welfare knowledge and skills
WSPA believes the solution to the problem of poorly-treated horses is to work closely with the owners and teach them how to care for their animals.
This belief shapes WSPA’s work with our partners in Bogota:
- WSPA-trained Community Animal Health Workers talk to horse owners about basic nutrition and care, handling methods and treatment of common diseases.
- A horse shoeing team demonstrates hoof and limb care and teach the owners how to shoe their horses.
- Vet students and El Refugio staff are trained in horse care.
- We encourage the Bogota Transit Authority to recognize laws protecting working horses and give advice on improving welfare in cooperation with owners.
Rehabilitation
Alongside educational and preventative work, WSPA also recognises the need to treat existing illnesses and injuries.
Two equine clinics have been opened in Bogota to treat sick and injured horses, and a new mobile unit educates communities through outreach campaigns and acts as a horse ambulance.
The lives of Columbia’s working horses are getting better. Your support will help WSPA do more vital work to relieve animal suffering worldwide.
