Hyderabad – The Department of Livestock and Fisheries Thatta, in collaboration with Brooke Pakistan, organized a seminar at a local hotel, attended by representatives of various NGOs and government offices. The seminar’s central theme revolved around the care and protection of stray, abandoned, and flood-affected animals, underscoring the commitment of both government and charitable organizations toward animal welfare during times of crisis.
Brooke Pakistan, a welfare and charitable organization, has long been engaged in the care, treatment, and rehabilitation of abandoned horses, donkeys, and mules. Through its partnership with the Livestock and Fisheries Department, the organization extended its operations in flood-hit areas to ensure vulnerable animals received the necessary medical treatment and protection from diseases.
The collaboration led to the establishment of six veterinary camps across the district, where thousands of livestock were vaccinated against common and flood-related diseases. These efforts not only safeguarded the health of animals but also indirectly supported the livelihoods of countless families who depend on livestock as their primary source of income.
During the seminar, Deputy Director Livestock Thatta, Dr. Nizamuddin Jamali, addressed the participants and highlighted the vital role the livestock department played during the floods. He noted that veterinary teams were deployed promptly to affected regions, providing on-the-spot treatment, vaccinations, and preventive care to large numbers of animals. “Protecting livestock during natural disasters is crucial for food security, rural economies, and the well-being of farming families,” he emphasized.
Dr. Shah Nawaz, General Manager of Brooke Pakistan, spoke about the organization’s mission, stressing the importance of compassion towards working animals, particularly horses, donkeys, and mules that are often neglected during calamities. He said Brooke Pakistan’s continued presence in Sindh reflects the organization’s deep commitment to animal welfare and to supporting communities whose survival depends on animals.
Habib Laghari, in charge of Brooke operations in Thatta, also shed light on the ground-level impact of these initiatives. He explained how timely veterinary care prevented the outbreak of animal-borne diseases that could have severely impacted both livestock and human communities. “The partnership with the Livestock Department has allowed us to reach more villages and save thousands of animals from suffering and death during the flood crisis,” he remarked.
The seminar participants also discussed long-term strategies to build resilience in the livestock sector, including the need for more mobile veterinary units, awareness campaigns for rural communities, and better coordination between government and non-government actors in times of natural disasters.
The presence of representatives from NGOs and government agencies at the event further highlighted the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in addressing the challenges faced during emergencies. Speakers emphasized that livestock are not just animals but vital assets for rural households, providing milk, meat, transport, and income generation. Their protection directly impacts food security and economic stability in flood-prone areas.
The seminar concluded with a pledge to strengthen efforts for animal welfare, disaster preparedness, and veterinary services. Participants collectively expressed their determination to ensure that during future floods or calamities, no abandoned or stray animal would be left without care.
This initiative by Brooke Pakistan and the Livestock and Fisheries Department serves as a model of public-private cooperation, highlighting the significance of animal welfare as an integral part of disaster response and community resilience.
