Camel Welfare in Working and Racing Contexts

Camels are working animals in arid regions across Africa and Asia and racing animals in the Arabian Peninsula, with welfare concerns ranging from overwork and poor nutrition to racing injuries.

Key Facts

An estimated 30 million camels exist globally, primarily in Africa and the Middle East
Camels are used for transport, milk production, meat, and increasingly for tourism and racing
Racing camels in the Arabian Peninsula were historically ridden by child jockeys - now replaced by robotic jockeys in most countries
Camel welfare problems include overwork, inadequate water, wounds from ropes and saddles, and poor nutrition
Camel milk production is a growing industry with welfare implications for milking camels and their calves

Welfare Considerations

Camel welfare in working contexts shares many challenges with donkey welfare: overloading, inadequate water, harness injuries, and lack of veterinary access. Racing camels face specific welfare concerns including extreme dietary restriction to maintain low weight, which causes malnutrition and metabolic stress. The replacement of child jockeys with robotic jockeys was an important welfare and human rights improvement. Camel milk production requires separating calves from mothers to access milk, causing distress to both. As camel industries commercialise and expand, welfare standards need to develop alongside production volume.

What You Can Do

Support welfare organisations working with camels in developing countries
When visiting camel-using countries, choose operators with observable high welfare standards
Advocate for enforcement of regulations banning child jockeys in camel racing
Learn about the complex relationship between camel welfare and herder livelihoods
Support research into appropriate welfare standards for commercial camel milk production