Mission to save Iraq's animals

A team of animal welfare campaigners is to travel to Iraq to deliver much-needed veterinary supplies to the war-torn country, it was announced.

The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) plans to undertake the mission to help injured and sick animals in the main agricultural regions of southern and central Iraq next month.

Brian Faulkner, one of those joining the group, said: “Iraq’s veterinary system is in dire need of life-saving medicines to help the animals.

“Our emergency supplies will help to provide a lifeline for Iraq’s animals during this crucial period when the country is getting back on its feet.”

Looting has left vets without medicine to treat animals and many local people depend on livestock for survival, according to the organisation.

WSPA, which has launched an appeal to raise money for the cause, will take about two weeks to distribute several tonnes of veterinary supplies.