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UN recognises role of working animals in disasters
Working animals will be protected from death and injury during disasters.
Charities have advocated for their protection during relief efforts.

The United Nations (UN) General Assembly has formally recognised the role of working animals in communities, particularly during the disaster.

Once implemented, the resolution means that working animals will be protected from death and injury during disasters. This includes their evacuation and emergency care during climate-related disasters.

The decision is the result of campaigning from the International Coalition of Working Equids (ICWE), which consists of Brooke, The Donkey Sanctuary, World Horse Welfare and SPANA. The group has been advocating for working animals in the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction for almost ten years.

Working animals are an important part of the livelihoods of people in many communities in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Horses, donkeys, and mules support families by plowing fields, carrying water and transporting people.

However, ICWE has also highlighted the role of working animals during climate disasters.

Working equines are able to access many disaster-struck zones which vehicles can not reach. This helps evacuate people and get rescue workers in.

In the long term, they can also help to rebuild infrastructure and aid economic recovery.

Advocacy from equine charities has already meant that working animals have been included in the national disaster risk reduction plans of Guatemala and Nicaragua.

The charities have continued to work closely with communities affected by disasters, ensuring animals are evacuated and the people are supported. They collected evidence from these situations and produced a roadmap for protecting animals.

This was then presented to policymakers, including national governments and the UN, providing communities with representation in major meetings.

The ICWE has hailed the latest development as a ‘major milestone’ in international policy.

Anne Marry, senior global external affairs advisor at Brooke, said: “Across Asia, Africa and Latin America where we work, we see every day how some of the poorest communities are ravaged by climate disasters. Their working animals are often all they have.

“We are proud to have been able to take their voices to the corridors of power at the United Nations and advocate for the protection of their animals – the most vital resilience assets in the face of climate change.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.