There are approximately 200 million working animals worldwide, ranging from dogs to donkeys, mules, camels, and horses.  Their silent efforts are indispensable, and their tireless work should be recognized.  Working animals are vital in vulnerable communities.  One working animal can support an extended family of up to 30 members. 

Working Animals Day was created in 2016 by the Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad (SPANA) to raise awareness of the plight of working animals and to inspire others to treat working animals with respect, provide access to veterinary care, improve welfare standards and educate future generations to treat animals with kindness and compassion.  SPANA’s work helps improve working animals’ lives while supporting the community. 

I remember hiking to Machu Picchu and passing by many families with donkeys carrying heavy loads that looked like potato sacks on their backs, traversing on very steep inclines and rocky terrain.  I imagined how tired their bodies must have felt going for miles through the Andes expanse.  Life is not easy for working animals.  Some animals are not able to receive veterinary care.  Some animals never experience retirement.  But all working animals have the ability to feel and know if they are treated well or not. 

To learn more how to help working animals worldwide, visit www.SPANA.org.

Photo courtesy of SPANA