Building better lives for horses, donkeys and mules

Hi, I am Kimberly Wells, Senior Manager for Global Animal Welfare. In last month’s newsletter my colleague Cherenet shared how disasters are affecting the lives of people and their horses, donkeys, and mules in Ethiopia. This month I would like to share my views on equid welfare.?

In our ever-evolving world, the recognition of animals as sentient beings with unique needs and experiences is crucial for fostering a compassionate and humane society. Understanding animals extends beyond acknowledging their physical presence; it involves appreciating their emotional well-being and ensuring their species-specific needs are met. Our #DisasterResponseManagement work highlights that problems facing our world is growing with intensity. Science and legislation have proven animals warrant our protection – now is the time to reflect on how to improve the care and treatment of these sentient beings in general and in the face of disasters.?

#WorkingEquines, such as horses, donkeys, and mules, are vital to communities, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. They provide essential transportation, support agricultural and industrial services, and participate in daily household chores, often at the cost of their own well-being. These animals face cumulative and persistent welfare challenges that affect them daily and throughout their lives, often without systems to support them. Common issues include inadequate nutrition, poor living conditions, inhumane handling, poor fitting harnesses, overwork, lack of preventative care, and limited access to quality veterinary care.?

The unintentional cost to equids' physical and mental well-being does not constitute a #LifeWorthLiving - though it is undoubtedly a life worth supporting. This often stems from a lack of understanding of their species-specific needs, emotional capabilities, and preferred interactions with people and their environments, which are rooted in their instinctive behaviour. Additionally, people may face challenges with preventing animal suffering due to actual or perceived competing needs.?

I believe anyone can be supported to improve an animal's experiences and their interactions with people and the environment. The situation becomes even more critical in the face of disasters. Hazards such as floods, earthquakes, and droughts can have devastating effects on the welfare of horses, donkeys, and mules. During such traumatic events and disaster response and recovery, these animals can experience a range of emotions and negative welfare states. Despite their ability to experience pain and suffering, joy and happiness, and their crucial roles in supporting community’s disaster response and recovery, there is a significant gap in systems and response plans that aim to support them.??

I challenge you to acknowledge both the inherent and external worth of sentient animals. As we grow and address global challenges, our methods of animal care and protection must also progress - they are our responsibility. By adopting a more informed, compassionate approach towards equine welfare and their intrinsic value, we can create communities where the needs of all beings are met with empathy and respect.?

Our Global DRM research programme is taking a co-designed approach, please get in touch with @Gemma Carder, Senior Manager for Global Research, to discuss ideas for collaboration. Contact myself (@Kim Wells) to discuss Brooke’s animal welfare programmes.?