Working Horse and Donkey Welfare Globally

An estimated 200 million working horses, donkeys, and mules provide livelihoods for millions of people in lower-income countries, often in conditions of significant welfare deprivation.

Key Facts

Approximately 200 million working equids are kept globally, predominantly in lower-income countries
Overloading, excessive work hours, hoof neglect, and harness sores are common welfare problems
Working equids often receive poor nutrition and inadequate veterinary care
Organisations including The Brooke and SPANA work directly with working equid communities

Welfare Considerations

Working horse and donkey welfare represents one of the largest concentrations of preventable animal suffering globally. Animals in these roles are often central to family livelihoods, meaning their welfare and their owners' welfare are closely linked. Practical welfare improvements — better harness fitting, hoof care, body condition management, and disease treatment — can simultaneously improve animal welfare and owner income by extending the working life of animals. Community-based welfare programmes delivered through local organisations have the strongest evidence base for lasting impact.

What You Can Do

Support The Brooke, SPANA, and other organisations working on working equid welfare
Consider fundraising or advocacy for working animal welfare
Support fair trade and ethical sourcing from supply chains that audit animal welfare
Raise awareness of working equid welfare as a global animal welfare priority