Livestock

Camel Welfare in Working and Racing Contexts

Camels are critical to livelihoods in arid regions but face serious welfare problems in racing, racing training, and long-distance trading across deserts.

Key Facts

There are around 35 million dromedary and 2 million Bactrian camels worldwide
Camels can survive for weeks without water due to specialised physiology
Racing camels in the Gulf region were historically ridden by child jockeys (now banned)
Long desert camel treks cause dehydration, foot sores and exhaustion
Camel milk is increasingly commercialised but welfare standards are nascent

Welfare Considerations

Robot jockeys have replaced child jockeys in Gulf camel racing, but racing camels still face overtraining, doping and inadequate veterinary care. Trading camels travel thousands of kilometres with minimal rest. Camel slaughter often occurs without stunning in many regions. Welfare codes for camels lag far behind those for horses and cattle.

What You Can Do

Advocate for camel welfare legislation in camel-producing countries
Support organisations documenting and improving camel slaughter practices
Choose camel milk products from producers committed to animal welfare
Raise awareness of racing camel welfare issues in international sporting bodies