Source:  The Brooke

Latest Brooke update on Egypt crisis

The Brooke is extremely concerned about the welfare of horses and camels being ridden into violent protests in the main square in Cairo where thousands of people are gathering.

"Horses were ridden into the middle of the protest with little thought for the welfare of the animals. They were pelted with rocks and sticks. This should never have happened, using these animals in such a way is distressing for the animals as well as being both frightening, and dangerous, for the people around them."  Karen Reed, Head of Animal Welfare and Research at the Brooke. 

Continuing our operations

 
The Brooke is continuing its programmes for working horses, donkeys and mules in Egypt as best it can, given the changing environment and civil unrest in the country at present. Our clinic in Cairo remains open and our staff there continue to provide treatment for animals requiring emergency care.

The Brooke’s programme in Egypt works with more than 200 communities across seven regions: Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Edfu, Alexandria, Mersa Matruh and the Nile Delta.

"The Brooke is in contact with its main office and clinic in Cairo, and is pleased to confirm all staff in Egypt are safe. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and once things have calmed down, one of our mobile veterinary teams will resume work in operational areas including Giza.  Our dedicated vets and community animal health teams are continuing to help communities and provide services for animals, where it is practical to do so." Dorcas Pratt, Director of International Development at the Brooke.

Peaks and troughs in the Helwan brick kilns

 
"Lines of smoking chimneys dominate the horizon in Helwan and there are endless rows of bricks drying in the sun or being carried by donkeys and mules. These poor animals work all day, transporting tonnes of bricks back and forth without shade, food or water while they’re working..."
Heather Walker, Communications Officer for the Brooke


Just prior to the current crisis in Egypt, Heather Walker, Communications Officer for the Brooke went to research work at the brick kilns in Helwan province, 40kms south of Cairo.

She talked to owners and workers and followed one of the Brooke's mobile veterinary teams as they treated working donkeys and mules.