Deadly Threat of Plastic Pollution on Working Animals | International Working Animal Day 2023

SPANA’s eighth annual International Working Animal Day, taking place on 15 June 2023, is raising awareness about the growing impact of plastic pollution on working animals in low-income countries across the world.

In many low-income countries, waste is often not collected or disposed of properly, leaving discarded plastic and hazardous materials littering communities. Grazing working animals can all too easily consume plastic by accident – with devastating consequences. Ingested plastic can cause internal blockages and potentially lead to life-threatening colic. Plastic waste is harming many thousands of working animals worldwide each year.

SPANA teams across the world are providing lifesaving care and support to working animals threatened by plastic pollution and environmental crises. Through essential veterinary treatment and surgery, we are able to offer a lifeline to animals in desperate need.