Rescued Horses to Race Again

Racehorses at Karachi racecourse who were earlier this year facing starvation have survived to race again.

Thanks to the quick actions of the ILPH (International League for the Protection of Horses), who stepped in to fund a rescue package, the future for those horses who survived their ordeal is bright.

Says Ian Kelly, ILPH International Manager, "Unfortunately news of the plight of the horses abandoned at the racecourse reached us too late for 70 or so, but we are pleased to say that all the horses we helped have survived and the majority will race again."

The ILPH enlisted the help of the Brooke Hospital for Animals, who have a large programme in Pakistan, and at the beginning of July a team led by vet Dr. Anwar-ul-Huq arrived in Karachi to organise feed and water and administer veterinary treatment.

An owner/trainer from the Punjab commented "The arrival of the veterinary team was nothing short of a miracle. I have 6 horses and when the racing stopped I could not provide for even one of them. The medicines and rations supplied by the ILPH and the care administered by the Brooke saved them all."

But the most heart-warming response came from Sharrif Khan from the North West Frontier province when he emotionally announced, "They saved Flag of Pakistan, who was practically dead on his feet when the help came. Thanks to ILPH money and Brooke negotiating the recommencement of racing the future for the horses and the livelihood of all the grooms and workers in the stables is ensured."

www.ilph.org