Brooke’s Christmas animation highlights importance of handling animals compassionately
Brooke has launched its Christmas animation, which raises awareness of how handling animals properly can reduce their pain.
With voiceover by Ted Lasso actress Annette Badland, the animation, “Handle with Care”, is based on the real story of a horse (Caballito) with a past of mistreatment, whose new owner (Ismelda) shows him how to trust again.
Millions of working animals, and even our pets, can experience poor handling by humans, leading to anxiety, fear and life-long trauma.
Annette Badland said: “I’m so proud to have been part of Brooke’s animation this year, which highlights the importance of giving working animals the love and respect they deserve.
“Working animals, just like all animals, do so much for humans and handling them with compassion helps give them a life worth living.”
Caballito's owner, Ismelda, learns how to give him the right care and handling so he can trust again.
The animation follows Ismela trying to support Caballito, who is too scared to be handled after being badly treated by his previous owner.
Ismelda decided to sign up to training provided by Brooke and its partner Biometepe, which works to improve animal welfare where she lives on Ometepe Island, Nicaragua.
Thanks to Brooke, Ismela learnt how to communicate with Caballito and understand what he was trying to tell her, even building a feeding station to keep him well-nourished.
With time, Caballito was able to trust Ismela and they now share an inseparable bond.
“I've really learned a lot about how to handle and take care of them (her horses)”, said Ismela.
“They come to trust you, just like you trust them”.
Caballito the horse
Working animals are the backbone of communities around the world, helping them to earn an income, send their children to school and put food on their tables.
Brooke works with communities, local health providers and policy makers to create a better life for working animals and their owners, influencing the landmark ban of the donkey skin trade in Africa in 2024.
Caballito is played by Harry the horse, a character from Brooke’s previous animation series.
As part of its Christmas activity, Brooke will also host a carol service in London on 12 December 2024, with guests including comedian Rory Bremner and broadcaster, Alastair Stewart OBE.