What is "spana"

The Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad (SPANA) is a voluntary British organisation with the objective and purpose of providing veterinary care to working animals in communities around the world.

SPANA was founded in 1923 by British woman Kate Hosali and her daughter, Nina. Working mainly in North Africa, West Africa and the Middle East, SPANA helps to treat working animals, like donkeys, mules, and camels, whenever they are mistreated, neglected or struggling to survive, using methods such as in-country hospitals and mobile clinics. It also aims to teach people how to prevent unnecessary harm to working animals. In 2005, SPANA treated over 370,000 animals in countries like Morocco, Mali, Mauritania, Algeria, Tunisia, Syria, Ethiopia and Jordan.

Notable supporters of the charity include Prince Asem bin Al Nayef, SPANA's honorary president in Jordan; Lady Odile Slynn, a former president of SPANA, Francis Newall, 2nd Baron Newall, the current president of SPANA; John Craven, a patron of the charity; and Jim Broadbent, who presented a programme about the work of SPANA on This Morning in March 2006.