Hundreds of millions of working animals provide livelihoods in developing economies, yet face significant welfare challenges from overwork, inadequate veterinary care, and equipment that causes injury.
Working animal welfare intersects deeply with human poverty and development — the 600 million animals that support smallholder farmers and transport operators worldwide are both economically essential and often suffering from preventable conditions. Veterinary access, appropriate equipment, and basic husbandry training can dramatically improve welfare outcomes for these animals and the productivity of the families who depend on them. Development organizations increasingly recognize that working animal welfare is an integral component of effective poverty alleviation rather than a luxury concern. Improving working animal welfare is thus simultaneously a welfare, development, and economic justice priority.