Here's this week's letters to the editor.

The impact of climate change on animals

Climate change is headline news and is high on the political agenda, as the UK prepares to host the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) this November. But the devastating impact of environmental disasters on animals is almost completely overlooked.

Climate change has hit the world’s poorest communities hardest of all and has left millions of working animals at severe threat from drought, flooding, wildfires and other issues such as plastic pollution. The spiralling crisis is sadly leading to the spread of disease, injury and loss of life on a massive scale.

In these poverty-stricken regions, working animals – ranging from donkeys and horses to camels, elephants and oxen – have a vital role, making it possible for families to earn a small income and put food on the table. But climate change is threatening the survival of these animals and communities they support.

SPANA is carrying out projects to provide water, food, lifesaving veterinary care and vaccinations to working animals in desperate need. We’re also calling for urgent international action to assist these animals and the vulnerable people that depend on them.

This World Animal Day (October 4), please visit spana.org/worldanimalday. and help us to prevent suffering and protect working animals facing the brunt of environmental catastrophe.

Linda Edwards

SPANA (Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad) chief executive

Huge disruption

The Covid-19 pandemic has caused huge disruption to life saving heart care, causing untold heartbreak for so many. Latest figures show that around 41,592 people in the South East were waiting for heart tests and treatment, including heart surgery, at the end of June.

Despite the unwavering efforts of everyone across the health and care system, the situation could get even worse. New analysis by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) predicts that the number of people anxiously waiting for heart care and diagnosis in England could peak at over half a million in January 2024. In this scenario, it could take up to five years for cardiac waiting lists to recover to pre-pandemic levels. 

That’s why the Government must act now. We need a clear cardiovascular strategy for England to support recovery from the pandemic, alongside substantial long-term investment in the health and care system, with targeted funding to tackle the backlog of heart care.

To help us, we’re calling on readers to email their MP, urging them to show their commitment to addressing this vast backlog and help end the untold heartbreak. Details at bhf.org.uk/askyourmp

Without this urgent action from the Government, we’re deeply concerned that many heart patients might not get the life saving care they need before it’s too late.

Dr Charmaine Griffiths

BHF chief executive