Working Equid Welfare: Mules, Donkeys, and Horses in Low-Income Countries

Around 100 million working equids support the livelihoods of 600 million people globally, often in poor welfare conditions.

Key Facts

There are approximately 112 million working horses, donkeys, and mules worldwide
They support livelihoods of an estimated 600 million people in low and middle income countries
Common welfare problems include ill-fitting harness causing sores, overloading, and inadequate water
The Brooke charity reaches over 3 million working animals annually through community-based veterinary care
Improved equid welfare directly increases family income as healthier animals work more effectively

Welfare Considerations

Working equids in developing countries experience chronic welfare problems from overloading, malnutrition, dehydration, and wounds from poorly fitted equipment. Animals are often worked through pain and illness as their owners cannot afford veterinary care or cannot stop working the animal without economic hardship. Welfare and poverty are deeply linked as improved animal health directly improves family income. Cultural practices including beating for motivation and inadequate rest cause preventable suffering.

What You Can Do

Support Brooke Animal Hospital which provides veterinary care for working equids
Donate to World Horse Welfare working equid programmes in low income countries
Advocate for development aid programmes to include working animal welfare components
Support education initiatives that train owners in low-stress handling and equid first aid
Choose tourism operators in developing countries that use only well-cared-for equids