Lexington, Ky. – May 11, 2017 – Brooke USA is proud to announce that with the support of friends and generous donations, their yearlong Horse Heroes fundraising campaign has already reached more than $400,000. The Horse Heroes campaign was launched in January with the ultimate goal to surpass one million dollars in funds to remember the one million American horses and mules that served in World War I.
This year the U.S. will commemorate its World War One Centennial by marking the 100th anniversary of its entry into the bloodiest war of the century. Throughout the war, horses and mules carried soldiers into battle and brought wounded men to safety. They transported food, water, medical supplies, ammunition, guns and other supplies to the front lines in WWI, and their contributions were significant to the war efforts.
During World War II, a total of eight million equines who supported the war effort died. Of the one million American animals that suffered across Europe, only 200 returned to the United States after the war ended with the signing of the Palace of Versailles.
While horses no longer serve the military in massive numbers, today there are approximately 100 million equines carrying out many of the same jobs as they did 100 years ago. They are also suffering similar hardships leading to chronic suffering and high mortality as their military forebears, while working to support 600 million people in the developing world.
The world’s largest international equine welfare charity, Brooke, has worked in many of the poorest countries for 83 years to help alleviate the suffering of working equines that millions of people depend on for survival. Brooke USA, a tax-exempt organization that exists to support the overseas work of Brooke through fundraising and stewarding donations, is thrilled to have reached more than $400,000 in less than five months. In March, the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission named Brooke USA’s Horse Heroes an official partner.
“We are very excited and overwhelmed by the generosity and support that has been shown so far during our Horse Heroes campaign,” Executive Director of Brooke USA, Emily Dulin said. “With the goal of raising over one million dollars by the end of the year, we hope our efforts will significantly help improve welfare for working animals and promote sustainable practices throughout the developing world.”
By providing scientifically proven, practical and sustainable programs, Brooke teaches owners how to improve the welfare of their animals, while also providing free veterinary care for many of them.
