Almost half of adults believe that animals performing tasks too challenging for humans is a relic of the past. A poll of 2,000 Britons found that 59 percent rarely or never encounter working animals in their daily lives. However, donkeys continue to deliver water in areas without piped supplies, falcons deter birds at airports, and rats help detect landmines.
Lack of awareness about working animals
The majority of respondents were unaware of specific roles: 79 percent had not heard of horses being used to transport children to school, and 77 percent did not know donkeys serve as informal ambulances. The research, commissioned by the animal welfare charity Working Animals International (formerly SPANA) to mark its rebranding, also revealed that 41 percent rarely or never think about animals working for humans. Nearly six in ten (59 percent) believe society largely chooses to ignore the topic.
Charity highlights vital roles
Linda Edwards, chief executive of the charity, stated: 'The research shows that while many people recognise the importance of working animals, their role in supporting communities worldwide is still not widely understood. Working animals such as horses, donkeys, mules, oxen, and camels play a vital role in the lives of millions. They help families earn an income, transport goods to market, and ensure children get to school, yet their welfare is often 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.'
Historical roles and public perception
Regarding historical uses, only 20 percent knew ferrets were used to lay underground cables, and 83 percent were unaware that dalmatians worked alongside horse-drawn carts. Nearly two-thirds (64 percent) believe the UK public underestimates how much work animals still perform. The types of work that surprised respondents most included construction or infrastructure support (31 percent), detection or sensing (29 percent), and healthcare or therapeutic support (20 percent).
Advantages over machines
Those polled via OnePoll thought animals are favoured over machines because they can access areas machinery cannot (59 percent), are cheaper (42 percent), and faster (32 percent). The lack of discussion about the topic was the main reason Brits are unaware of working animals today (20 percent), followed by the assumption that technology has replaced such jobs (18 percent).
Call for formal recognition
Almost two-thirds (64 percent) believe it is important to record the number of working animals globally, and 46 percent think the care they receive is insufficient. Linda Edwards added: 'We are proud to launch our new brand and name, Working Animals International. It reflects 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 formally recognising working animals. We agree and call on governments worldwide to include working animals in their censuses, as a lack of data makes it difficult to protect their welfare.'
Top 10 working animals Brits are least aware of
- Horses being used to take children to school
- Rats detecting landmines
- Donkeys used as informal ambulances
- Donkeys working on construction sites
- Dolphins detecting undersea explosives
- Goats clearing land to prevent wildfires
- Horses removing logs from forests
- Donkeys delivering water where there is no piped supply
- Goats clearing vegetation and brambles
- Falcons deterring birds at airports
