Working horses and donkeys in low-income countries face severe welfare challenges from overwork, inadequate nutrition, and lack of veterinary care.
Working equid welfare in the developing world represents a huge and largely invisible welfare crisis. These animals are essential livelihood assets for some of the poorest communities globally, which creates both the welfare problem — animals pushed beyond capacity out of economic necessity — and the solution complexity — welfare improvement must be economically viable for owners. Organizations like the Brooke address this by working with owners on practical, low-cost welfare improvements that also improve productivity, aligning welfare and economic incentives for working animal communities.