Companion Animals

Horse Working in Developing Countries

An estimated 100 million horses, donkeys, and mules provide livelihoods in developing countries. Their welfare is critical to the families that depend on them.

Key Facts

Working equids in developing countries often work under extreme conditions
Harness sores, lameness, and overwork are among the most common welfare problems
The Brooke organisation works with 3 million working equids globally
Veterinary access is often limited or unaffordable for working animal owners
Improving working animal welfare directly improves family income and food security

Welfare Considerations

Working equids in developing countries often experience severe welfare problems from harness sores, overloading, and lack of veterinary care. These are not cases of indifference - owners depend on their animals' health for survival. Practical interventions including harness adjustment, lameness treatment, and basic veterinary care dramatically improve welfare at low cost.

What You Can Do

Donate to the Brooke organisation's working equid welfare programmes
Support SPANA's work with working animals in developing countries
Raise awareness of working equid welfare in international development contexts