Companion Animal Welfare

Horse Working in Developing Countries Welfare

Working equids in lower-income countries face specific welfare challenges from overwork, poor harness fit and limited veterinary access.

Key Facts

An estimated 100 million working horses, donkeys and mules exist globally in lower-income countries
Ill-fitting harness causes wounds, sores and chronic pain in working equids
Brooke and SPANA provide veterinary services and owner training in equid welfare
Overloading and overworking cause fatigue, injury and shortened working life
Equid welfare is directly linked to household income and food security in affected families

Welfare Considerations

Working equid welfare is inextricably linked to family livelihoods in lower-income countries. Improved welfare through better harness, veterinary care and working conditions simultaneously improves animal welfare and owner economic outcomes.

What You Can Do

Support Brooke, SPANA and similar organisations providing working equid welfare services
Advocate for inclusion of working equid welfare in international development programmes
Raise awareness about working equid welfare as a development issue with welfare and livelihood dimensions