Animal charity celebrates 10 years of raising awareness of working animals

Camel in Desert Dunes Sidi Bibi Morocco

Working animals are often overlooked (Image: Getty)

Working Animals International is marking the tenth anniversary of its International Working Animal Day on June 15th — an annual awareness campaign shining a spotlight on the crucial role played by working donkeys, horses, mules, camels, oxen and other animals throughout the globe.

A survey of 2,000 adults, commissioned by the charity to commemorate the occasion, revealed that the most undervalued animals are bees, donkeys and mules. Also featuring on the list of underappreciated creatures were frogs, foxes and rats.

More than half (54%) of respondents believe the contributions of working animals are frequently overlooked, with many suggesting these creatures are undervalued simply because they aren’t considered ‘cute’.

For 42%, the belief is that certain animals are disregarded because people fail to appreciate what they do for the planet and mankind, while 51% feel this would not be the case if the public were better informed about the work they carry out.

Even some seemingly well-regarded farm animals are thought to be underappreciated, including pigs, chickens and goats, all of which featured within the top 12.

There are 10 working animals concealed within this scene, each depicting roles they are still used for today — can you spot them all?

Linda Edwards, chief executive of the charity, said: “We wanted to bring to life just how much work working animals do, and how often that contribution and their welfare is overlooked.

“The puzzle shows the breadth of their roles from oxen ploughing fields to horses taking children to school. These animals perform essential jobs that are part of everyday life in many communities around the world.

“We hope that by encouraging people to look for working animals in the puzzle, that they, and their welfare, become more visible.”

More than half (56%) of those surveyed, via OnePoll, believe that introducing education on the subject in schools would boost people’s general awareness of working animals. However, many feel that pop-culture references could also help, including through TV programmes (36%), books (34%) and films (29%).

A third also suggested that national awareness days would broaden society’s understanding, while 43% feel more informed and conscious of working animals today than they did 10 years ago.

Linda Edwards, from Working Animals International, added: “Millions of working animals help people earn a living, access essential services and support their families, yet their contribution is too often overlooked.

“On International Working Animal Day, we are celebrating these remarkable animals and calling for greater recognition of their welfare needs.”