Working Horse and Mule Welfare | Animal Welfare Hub

An estimated 100 million horses, mules, and donkeys work in agriculture, transport, and construction worldwide, often in conditions that cause chronic pain and reduced welfare.

Key Facts

Around 100 million equids work globally, predominantly in low- and middle-income countries
Common welfare problems include overloading, poor harness fit, untreated wounds, and inadequate nutrition
Working equids are often underweight and suffer from lameness, skin lesions, and respiratory disease
Organisations like Brooke and the Donkey Sanctuary provide field-based veterinary and training programmes
Cultural attitudes toward working animals can affect receptiveness to welfare improvement interventions

Welfare Considerations

Working horses, mules, and donkeys are essential to the livelihoods of millions of people in the Global South, yet they frequently work in pain from untreated injuries and ill-fitting equipment. Overloading, harsh handling, and inadequate rest are widespread. These animals cannot advocate for themselves, and their suffering is often normalised within communities. Community-based welfare improvement programmes that build local capacity for harness fitting, body condition scoring, and wound treatment have demonstrated significant impact.

What You Can Do

Support organisations like Brooke, SPANA, and the Donkey Sanctuary
Advocate for international development programmes to include working animal welfare components
If you ride horses or use equid transport, ensure animals are in good condition
Share information about working equid welfare in development and agricultural contexts
Support research into cost-effective, scalable welfare interventions for working equids