Ethiopian vets raise awareness about health and welfare of working horses

 

In Ethiopia’s bustling markets and rural communities, a group of unsung heroes keeps society moving forward—not vibrant entrepreneurs or tireless laborers, but working horses. Despite being vital to daily trade and transportation for millions, the essential role of over 250,000 cart horses across Ethiopia often goes unnoticed. These animals carry the weight of local economies—literally and figuratively—yet their welfare and health are frequently overlooked. However, thanks to dedicated organizations and veterinarians, a growing movement is shedding light on their plight and advocating for transformative change.

 

For many Ethiopians, working horses are more than just beasts of burden; they are fundamental to livelihoods. From transporting goods across unpaved roads to serving as taxis for rural communities, their contributions make life possible in areas lacking modern infrastructure. Yet, the challenges these animals face are staggering. They endure endless hours of labor under harsh conditions, coping with untreated injuries, parasitic infections, and diseases such as ulcerative lymphangitis and epizootic lymphangitis—ailments that severely impact their quality of life.

According to Ethiopian veterinarian Mulugeta Alemu, working horses are often taken for granted despite their critical role. “They go through extreme hardships, yet their socio-economic value tends to be underestimated,” says Alemu, who previously worked with Brooke, a prominent animal welfare organization. The financial burden of treatment often deters owners, leaving veterinarians to make difficult decisions, including euthanizing horses with treatable illnesses because owners cannot afford care.

 

Organizations like Brooke and local veterinarians are rising to the challenge, working tirelessly to improve the lives of Ethiopia’s working horses. Through community education programs, Brooke empowers horse owners and cart drivers to prioritize their animals’ health. With improved awareness about the immense benefits of animal welfare—ranging from economic gain to better living conditions—there’s increasing hope for change.

“The welfare of these animals directly impacts the livelihoods of the communities that rely on them,” Brooke advocates explain. A healthy horse is not just a compassionate outcome—it’s a catalyst for improved livelihoods and thriving economies.

Key initiatives also include affordable veterinary services and campaigns to increase public empathy for working animals. Clinics such as Amen Veterinary Clinic, where Alemu works, provide accessible care, ensuring that rural families have the resources to treat their horses. Advocates are also pushing for enhanced government policy frameworks, including stronger regulations, better treatment facilities, and subsidized veterinary programs to ease the financial burden on owners.

 

Change in Ethiopia will require collaborative action. Dedicated veterinarians, organizations like Brooke, and the Ethiopian Veterinary Association are leading a collective mission to shift how society values working horses. One key element of these efforts is shifting perceptions of these animals, emphasizing their economic “impact” rather than their “cost.” Advocacy campaigns underline that investing in a horse’s health translates to sustainable livelihoods for the owners, greater reliability in transportation, and a boost for local commerce.

For families scraping by, the difference between owning a healthy horse and one that cannot work is monumental. A robust animal means higher income, fewer disruptions, and, ultimately, a path toward stability.

 

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