Invisible helpers: working equids empowering sustainable growth
Working animals: empowering sustainable growth proved once again the invaluable contributions of working equids in our society: from water procurement to ensuring a livelihood for millions of people.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can be achieved through many cost effective simple solutions and the welfare of working animals is one of them. Simple interventions can empower owners to keep their working animals healthy and ensure their continued productive benefit.
The event was opened by Joe Collins, Chair of the Eurogroup for Animals Equines Working Group, followed by a presentation from Gansly Jean, who discussed the role of working equids in the procurement and availability of water in Haiti. Mr. Jean highlighted the importance of educating owners of equines about the welfare needs of their animals, as ensuring a high level of welfare is crucial both for the efficiency of their work and for their quality of life.
Ms. Rouguiatou Ahmadou KA explained the role of draught horses in achieving SDGs and how working animals affect numerous areas of human life, hence why including them in national and regional policies is imperative. Ms. Clementine Bonnin discussed working animal energy and conservation.
Sustainability is about meeting the needs of the present while not compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Increasingly, we understand that it will not be enough ‘to just do enough.
Joe Collins, Chair of the Eurogroup for Animals Equines Working Group
Working equids are hidden in the shadows all too often, while we must highlight how important it is to ensure their welfare needs are met. Their contributions to achieving SDGs and sustaining millions of human lives are invaluable and they deserve the full attention of policymakers.Reineke Hameleers, CEO, Eurogroup for Animals
