Working Animal Welfare: Horses, Donkeys, and Mules in Low-Income Contexts

An estimated 200 million working equids support livelihoods in low-income countries, often facing overwork, poor veterinary access, and inadequate nutrition.

Key Facts

Around 200 million horses, donkeys, and mules work globally, mostly in low and middle-income countries
The Brooke charity supports working equid welfare across Africa, Asia, and Latin America
Common welfare problems include lameness, skin sores from ill-fitting harnesses, dental disease, and malnutrition
Working equid welfare is closely linked to human poverty: sick animals reduce family income
Veterinary training for local communities has been shown to significantly improve working animal welfare
Donkeys carry particular welfare risks as they hide illness signs until severely compromised

Welfare Considerations

Working equids are essential livelihood assets for millions of families, yet they often work in pain due to lack of veterinary access and welfare knowledge. Improving working animal welfare directly improves human livelihoods — a healthy animal works longer and more effectively. Community-based veterinary training and welfare education programmes deliver measurable welfare and economic benefits.

What You Can Do

Support the Brooke and similar organisations working on working equid welfare
Advocate for veterinary extension services to reach working animal communities
Donate to equid welfare organisations operating in low-income countries
Raise awareness of working animal welfare as a development as well as animal welfare issue
Support research into appropriate harness design and veterinary care for working equids