Two thirds of Brits rarely or never see working animals in their daily life, with many unaware of the vital roles they still play around the world
Almost half of adults think animals doing work too challenging for humans is a thing of the past – with many unaware camels are still a form of transport, dolphins help detect undersea explosives and goats help clear land to prevent wildfires.
A poll of 2,000 Brits found 59% rarely, or never, see working animals in their daily life. Yet, according to animal welfare charity Working Animals International – formerly SPANA – donkeys are still used to deliver water where there’s no piped supply, falcons deter other birds at airports and rats help detect landmines.
The research was commissioned by the animal welfare charity in line with launching its new brand name today (April 22). The research found the majority of adults hadn’t heard of horses being used to take children to school (79%) and donkeys being used as informal ambulances (77%).
It also found 41% admitted they don’t often, or ever, think about animals being used for work. What’s more, nearly six in 10 (59%) think animals working with humans is something we’ve largely chosen not to think about in society.
Linda Edwards, chief executive from the charity said: “The research shows that while many people recognise the importance of working animals, their role in supporting communities around the world is still not widely understood.
“Working animals such as horses, donkeys, mules, oxen and camels play a vital role in the lives of millions of people.
“They help families earn an income, transport goods to market and ensure that children get to school, yet too often, their welfare is overlooked.
“For over a century, we have worked alongside animal owners to improve access to skills, advice and veterinary care, so that working animals can live healthy lives and be properly valued.”
Almost two thirds (64%) reckon the UK public generally underestimates how much work animals still do for humans. Construction or infrastructure support was the type of work animals do which surprised respondents the most (31%).
Others were shocked to learn they have assisted humans in detection or sensing work (29%) and healthcare or therapeutic support (20%).
But those polled, via OnePoll, think animals are favoured over machines for certain jobs because they can access areas which machinery can’t (59%), they’re cheaper (42%) and faster (32%).
The fact the topic isn’t widely spoken about was the top reason Brits reckon were unaware of working animals today (20%), followed by the assumption such jobs have been replaced by technology (18%).
Almost two thirds (64%) think it’s important there is a record of how many working animals there are in the world and 46% reckon the level of care and attention they receive globally is insufficient.
Linda Edwards added: “We are proud to be launching our new brand and name, Working Animals International. It reflects both who we are today and the global scale of our work to improve animal welfare and campaign on their behalf.
“It is encouraging that the survey shows strong public support for recognising working animals more formally. We agree and are calling on governments across the world to include working animals in their censuses, as a lack of data makes it difficult to protect their welfare.”
TOP 10 WORKING ANIMAL BRITS ARE LEAST AWARE OF:
- Horses being used to take children to school
- Rats detecting landmines
- Donkeys being used as informal ambulances to get people to hospital
- Donkeys working on construction sites
- Dolphins detecting undersea explosives
- Goats clearing land to prevent wildfires
- Horses used to remove logs from forests
- Donkeys delivering water where there’s no piped supply
- Goats clearing vegetation and brambles
- Falcons being used to deter other birds at airports
