### Draught Animals in Ethiopia: Between Neglect, Economic Values, and Societal Challenges
A land rich in agricultural traditions and cultural diversity, Ethiopia still relies heavily on the work of draft animals, especially horses and donkeys. Although these animals are essential for transport and trade, the discourse around their welfare remains largely incomplete. The voice of the Brooke organization, which is dedicated to improving their living conditions, reminds Ethiopian society of the dangers of abandonment and disease, while calling for a crucial awareness of the need for their welfare.
**A bleak picture: Neglected animal health**
Veterinarian Mulugeta Alemu, who witnessed the systematic abuse suffered by these animals, has dedicated his career to improving their fate. His testimony highlights a tragic aspect: diagnoses of diseases such as lymphangitis ulcer and epizootic lymphangitis, although treatable, often do not find solutions due to the prohibitive costs compared to the market value of the animals. Thus, thousands of birrs would often be required to treat a horse, an expense that many owners are unable and unwilling to assume. This leads to an implacable reality: some animals are euthanized, not because of a lack of empathy, but because of a failing economic framework that places these living beings last on the priority scale.
### **The economic paradox: neglected assets**
It is essential to take a critical look at the economic value that these working animals represent for rural communities. According to some studies, a healthy horse can generate significant income for its owner, especially in regions where road infrastructure remains underdeveloped. However, the economic choices of owners are often constrained by the perception of these animals as being of low value. To illustrate this point, data from the International Labour Organization (ILO) shows that the horse and donkey-based logistics and transport industries account for about 4% of rural GDP in some parts of Ethiopia, a figure that could increase with better care for these animals.
### **The interface between animal health and community development**
Stories of animal neglect like the one Alemu reported are symptomatic of a larger problem affecting public health and sustainable development. Poor management of equine health can contribute to the spread of zoonotic diseases, endangering not only the animals but also human health. For example, internal and external parasites, often overlooked, can affect the human communities that share their living space with these animals.. As such, community awareness of the importance of animal health could strengthen initiatives aimed at improving the living conditions of rural dwellers.
### **Towards a public policy reform: a driver of change**
Ethiopia needs to consider how to reform its public policies to ensure the welfare of these equines. A comprehensive discussion involving stakeholders from the veterinary sector, the state and NGOs could result in regulations that ensure accessible and affordable veterinary care. The role of veterinarians in promoting preventive care and reducing accidents involving draft animals should also be emphasized. Similarly, awareness of the economic assets of these animals should be encouraged both within communities and among policy makers.
### **Conclusion: a cry for recognition and action**
In the heart of Ethiopia, as donkeys and horses roam the dusty roads, their condition deserves more than a fleeting glance. By integrating animal welfare considerations into the broader framework of economic and social development, the country could not only improve the quality of life of these animals, but also take a step towards a sustainable development model. Transforming the perception of working animals from mere economic tools to valuable partners in community development could mark a historic turning point for Ethiopia. By focusing on education, regulation and integration, the nation has the opportunity not only to sustain the use of these animals, but also to assert its ethical and social values to the world.