SPANA rebrands to become Working Animals International
22 April 2026: Animal welfare charity SPANA has today rebranded as Working Animals International, a name that more clearly reflects its global mission to support working animals and the communities that depend on them.
Since 1923, the charity has been dedicated to improving the lives of working animals, beginning in North Africa and later expanding to the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Latin America. It increases access to veterinary care, helps owners develop the knowledge and skills to care for their animals, and campaigns for policy change.
Horses, donkeys, mules, camels and other working animals are the quiet, driving force behind countless communities. These animals provide transport to markets, schools and hospitals. They also help people earn a living, enabling millions around the world to feed themselves and their families.
Despite their essential role, their welfare is often overlooked. The charity’s new name highlights both their importance and the urgent need to improve their welfare.
Linda Edwards, Chief Executive at Working Animals International, said:
“We are proud to launch our new name and brand. Our mission remains the same, but our new identity makes it clearer, more recognisable and easier for people to engage with and support.
“With a stronger voice, we are working towards a world where working animals are properly valued and cared for. When they thrive, so do the communities who depend on them every day – for income, for food, and for access to essential services like getting to school or to hospital.”
The new brand was developed through an extensive consultation period involving supporters, donors, colleagues, and partners across multiple countries.
The rebrand goes beyond a change in name. It reflects the organisation’s growing impact, building on its established work in partnerships, policy influence, and improving the lives of working animals.
Linda Edwards added:
“This marks an important moment in our history. For more than a century, we have combined practical expertise with compassion to support working animals and the communities who depend on them, and that work continues to grow.
“As climate pressures and economic uncertainty grow, working animals and the communities who rely on them are under increasing strain. We must be in the strongest possible position to support them, and this new identity allows us to do exactly that.”
As part of its new brand launch, the charity is hosting a photography exhibition, Impossible to Overlook, at the FUJIFILM House of Photography in Covent Garden, London, from 22 to 26 April. The exhibition showcases the essential and often unrecognised role of working animals around the world, profiling the work of photographers Harsha Vadlamani in India, Maheder Haileselassie in Ethiopia, Charmaine Chitate in Zimbabwe, and Abdellah Azizi and Badr in Morocco.
ENDS
Media contact
Ally McLaren, Communications and Media Officer, Ally.McLaren@workinganimals.org / +44 (0)20 7831 3999
About Working Animals International
For over a century, Working Animals International has been dedicated to transforming the lives of working animals and supporting the people who depend on them. We work with partners worldwide to increase access to essential veterinary care and campaign for better welfare standards. We support owners as they develop the knowledge and skills to look after their animals with confidence and care – while inspiring the next generation to do the same. Together, we’re building a world where working animals are healthy and valued, communities are stronger and livelihoods are more secure.
