Working equines’ welfare important for achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals
On October 5, the leading equine welfare organisations, World Horse Welfare and The Donkey Sanctuary held high-level meetings at the United Nations General Assembly to address the vital contribution of working horses, donkeys and mules in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
As a bold commitment to end hunger, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all by 2030, SDGs have been embracing projects aimed at eliminating poverty, assuring access to clean water and respectful work opportunities to encourage economic growth.
Mike Baker, CEO at The Donkey Sanctuary stated that this is a crucial time and a fantastic opportunity for organisations dealing with equine welfare and protection as it is only recently that the UN General Assembly agreed on the need to protect working animals.
Now we have to persuade them to turn words into action and we will work tirelessly to ensure donkeys, mules and horses everywhere have their voices heard.
Mike Baker, The Donkey Sanctuary CEO
SDGs are the successor to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which applied only to the developing world. These new goals run from 2015 to 2030 and are due for review in 2019 when the agenda for work over the next five years will be set. Ian Cawsey, The Donkey Sanctuary’s UN Ambassador confirmed that the work of his organisation, in cooperation with World Horse Welfare’s advocacy team, showcases how the bold ambitions of the SDGs can be assisted by working with communities to care for and protect their working animals.
In many of the poorest communities, the only way to sustain families is through the transport and traction provided by horses, donkeys or mules. Better caring for these animals to protect people’s ability to make a living and access water and markets for their goods, as well as education for their children, is essential for sustainable development to take place.
Roly Owers, World Horse Welfare CEO
