Aim: To assess the welfare of
pack animal: Pony, Horse, Mule and Donkey in and around Bareilly city.
Materials and Methods: The present study was carried out in Bareilly city
and Izatnagar area of Bareilly district of Uttar Pradesh in the year 2009.
Representative sample of 100 pack animal owners were selected to get the
information regarding various social, personal and economic attributes of the
pack animal. Further during interviewing different health and behavior pattern
of animals was keenly examined. Analysis has been done as per standard
procedures.
Results: Most of the pack animal owners (98%) were aware of
the freedom from hunger and thirst. Majority of respondents (96, 93, 81 & 85
percent) were aware of freedom from injury and disease, pain and discomfort, to
express normal behavior and adequate space and freedom from fear and distress.
Respondents (85%) believed that they themselves were responsible for the welfare
of the animals. Most of the owners (48.8%) employed their animals for work for
9-10 hrs with rest (96.5%) in between work and most (88.3%) indulged into
beating to compel the animals to work. All pregnant animals were put to work in
the first two trimesters of pregnancy. Upon physical examination, pack animals
showed abnormality in eyes (49%), abnormality in gait (40%) and limb deformity
(39%). Most animals (75%) had tether lesions and 34 percent animals avoided or
were aggressive to observer. Majority (74.1%) of the owners housed their animals
in a part of their own residence with improper drainage and cleaning. Most of
the owners (82%) consulted Veterinary doctors for treatment and believed in
allopathic medicine (57%). Vaccination was not carried out on most (96%) of the
animals. All the animals were feed green fodder but practice of supplementation
of minerals to animals was only among 11 percent owners.
Conclusions:
Present findings provide baseline information on welfare activities followed by
pack animal owners and status of pack animals in regards to animal welfare. A
more detailed in-depth study is needed regarding welfare issues in all varied
pack animals, designing of scientific efficient carts, working hours and special
requirements related to feed and other managemental practices for pack and
draught animals. Rules and Regulations advocated by Government Act can be used
to enforce welfare laws of the animals but thrust should be more in regard to
development of awareness among owners for animal welfare.
Keywords: pack
animal, transport, welfare
