Livestock

Working Equid Welfare in Developing Countries

Over 100 million horses, donkeys, and mules serve as working animals in developing countries, often facing severe welfare challenges with limited veterinary access.

Key Facts

Around 112 million equids work in developing countries worldwide
Skin wounds from ill-fitting harness are among the most common welfare problems
Working equids often work 12 or more hours per day without adequate rest
Veterinary access is extremely limited in many areas where working equids are used
Donkeys and mules are often treated differently from horses and receive less attention

Welfare Considerations

Working equids in poor condition cannot perform their function and contribute to household poverty. Interventions that improve equid welfare therefore improve human livelihoods as well as animal welfare. Harness improvement, basic veterinary training for owners, and access to farriery services have demonstrable impacts on both equid welfare and family income.

What You Can Do

Support Brooke, SPANA, or other working equid welfare organisations
Donate to fund farriery and harness training programmes in developing regions
Advocate for working equid welfare in international development policy
Choose tourism experiences that use well-managed local transport animals
Support research into cost-effective welfare interventions for working equids