~Hay, Feed, Fencing Materials and Veterinary Supplies Desperately Needed ~
The largest wildfire in Texas history has devastated the state’s agricultural industry, destroying more than 1 million acres of land in the Panhandle, killing thousands of livestock, burning crops and damaging infrastructure. Over 85% of the state’s cattle population is located on ranches in the Panhandle, according to the Texas Department of Agriculture. Horses are also among those animals affected as they are essential to cattle ranching and agriculture, two big contributors to the state’s economy.
“Texas is recognized by everyone as horse country and horses are part of the state’s economic fabric. They make truly great contributions to the livelihood and well-being of people. These animals play an essential role in the management of livestock. Without them, a rancher’s job is extremely challenging,” explained Dwayne Hildreth, Chair of Brooke USA’s Dallas/Ft. Worth Regional Advisory Council, and a member of the organization’s Board of Directors.
Brooke USA joins the Foundation for the Horse, the charitable arm of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), in its efforts to provide prompt aid to horses in need of assistance. To help their efforts, Brooke USA has activated its Disaster Relief Fund and launched the Texas Panhandle Emergency Campaign with 100% of the monies raised allocated to these efforts.
Brooke USA is calling upon its donors and friends to help both people and horses across the Texas Panhandle. “Our Brooke family of supporters are known for their generosity. This is certainly a situation where we can come together and help as these fires have threatened the livelihoods of people and lives of horses and other livestock,” added Hildreth.
Restoring livelihoods for the most vulnerable disaster survivors – both human and animal – is at the heart of Brooke USA’s mission. Long-term care of these displaced equines will be the most pressing need, and hay and feed are paramount to support the equines whose owners have lost everything. “Our goal is to repair and rebuild communities by providing funds to support disaster recovery efforts. Catastrophic natural episodes such as these wildfires can have devastating effects on horses as well as humans. Delivering relief during and after a disaster not only sustains life, but also gives hope for the future and provides for potential full economic recovery” explained Emily Dulin, CEO of Brooke USA.
In the past, Brooke USA has partnered with organizations working on the ground and supporting the needs of equines and their owners – whether it was during the floods in Pakistan, the earthquake in Morocco, Hurricane Ian in Florida, or the wildfires in California.
To donate to Brooke USA Foundation’s Texas Panhandle Emergency Campaign, please visit www.brookeusa.org/texas.
About Brooke USA Foundation (Brooke USA): The mission of Brooke USA is to significantly improve the health, welfare and productivity of working horses, donkeys and mules and the people who depend on them for survival worldwide. We are committed to sustainable economic development by reducing poverty, increasing food security, ensuring access to water, providing a means to education, and raising basic standards of living through improved equine health and welfare. We accomplish this by raising funds and responsibly directing them to the areas of greatest need.
Brooke USA strives to alleviate the suffering and vulnerability of developing communities by funding and implementing programs that improve the quality of life and health of working equines and thereby positively impacting their economic sustainability, protecting the planet, ensuring gender equality, and guaranteeing life on land resilience. We want to see healthy, happy people and equines that work in partnership to achieve sustainable local economies. To learn more about Brooke USA, please visit www.thedonkeyproject.org.
For more information, contact:
Emily Dulin
305-505-6170
Emily.Dulin@BrookeUSA.org
Kendall Bierer
561-309-9873
Kendall.Bierer@BrookeUSA.org