The majority of the world's working horses, donkeys and mules are in low-income countries where welfare problems are severe but often overlooked in international animal welfare discussions.
Working equids in low-income countries represent one of the most numerous and most neglected animal welfare populations globally. These animals are essential livelihood assets for families who depend on their labour for income and survival. Welfare problems are driven not by indifference but by poverty: owners who lack access to veterinary care, affordable harnesses, farriery or the economic margin to rest sick animals. Welfare improvement in these contexts requires approaches that address human poverty alongside animal need. Community-based veterinary outreach, affordable harness design, farriery training and microfinance for animal health emergencies have all shown effectiveness. Organisations like SPANA and Brooke have refined welfare delivery models that work within these constraints.