In Ethiopia, horses and donkeys are vital for transportation and trade, especially in rural areas with limited access to motor vehicles. However, the welfare of these working animals has long been overlooked, leaving them vulnerable to disease, injury, and poor living conditions.
Brooke, an international charity focused on improving the lives of working animals, has highlighted the alarming plight of Ethiopia’s horses, donkeys, and mules. According to Brooke, many of these animals are abandoned or left to suffer in harsh conditions due to widespread neglect, with little attention paid to their health and welfare.
Mulugeta Alemu, a veterinary professional with firsthand experience of the situation, explains that diseases such as ulcerative lymphangitis and epizootic lymphangitis are common among abandoned horses. These conditions are treatable but can be expensive to address. In many cases, the cost of treatment exceeds the purchase price of the animals, making owners unwilling to invest in necessary care. As a result, some of the sickest animals are euthanized.
Alemu, who studied veterinary medicine after witnessing widespread animal abuse, previously worked for Brooke and is now employed at the Amen Veterinary Clinic. He emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about the health of these animals, particularly among cart drivers who depend on them for their livelihoods.
“These horses often work long hours in tough conditions, yet they receive little to no veterinary care,” Alemu explains. “They frequently suffer from wounds, eye problems, lameness, hoof injuries, and parasites, all of which could be prevented or treated with proper care.”
Brooke estimates that there are approximately 250,000 cart horses in Ethiopia, and their role in supporting the local economy cannot be overstated. These animals are essential for transporting goods, particularly in rural communities where motor vehicles are scarce. Yet, despite their economic importance, many are treated as low-value animals, leading to their neglect.
“Due to their perceived low economic value, these animals often receive minimal attention and are overlooked in policy discussions,” Alemu adds. “However, when we consider their contribution to the community, they are incredibly valuable.”
Ethiopia’s Veterinary Association has called for the implementation of regulations to ensure better welfare standards for working animals. The association emphasizes the need for accessible veterinary care, public education on animal welfare, and policies that recognize the crucial role of these animals in Ethiopia’s economy.
The challenge remains clear: while horses, donkeys, and mules are indispensable to Ethiopia’s transportation and trade, urgent action is needed to address their health and welfare needs, and ensure they are given the care and respect they deserve.