The Welfare of Working Animals
Description:... Currently, in most of the developing world, working animals are still used for various tasks, mostly for hauling and transport. Equids, camelids, bovids and even elephants work daily from forests to cities to accompany humans in the hardest of tasks. These animals are often prematurely introduced to the working environment, their stockman being poorly educated and their equipment in most cases is deficient and unfitting.
Working dogs are prevalent around the world and fulfil many roles, adding social, cultural, and economic value to human lifestyles. Dogs work in herding, guarding, hunting, human assistance, and animal-assisted therapy.
Even though considerable advances have been made regarding their welfare requirements, their wellbeing remains an area of public concern due to overloading and inadequate loading techniques, inadequate equipment, inhumane handling, working while in poor health or too young, poor nutrition and inappropriate management. Initiating factors which influence welfare of working animals include traditional or cultural beliefs and economic constraints. Furthermore, inadequate knowledge and inappropriate attitudes and management practices can also contribute to welfare issues.
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