Donkey welfare assessment in Algeria

Bc. Anežka Malá

Master's thesis

Abstract:

The donkey holds a distinctive position among the first domesticated animals, providing indispensable services in the form of transportation and draught for owners in low- to middle-income countries. Despite the pivotal roles played by donkeys, they often suffer from poor welfare. This study aimed to evaluate welfare and identify associated problems and potential solutions in northeast Algeria using the Standardised Equine-Based Welfare Assessment Tool (SEBWAT). The parameters encompassing general health, behaviour, and living/working conditions were systematically evaluated. A total of 78 donkeys, categorised into three groups based on usage (hobby, transport, and as a meat source), underwent assessment. Serious welfare problems have been identified within each of the categories, including poor body condition, health problems, and negative approach to people, whereas the donkeys used as a meat source suffered the highest (i.e., poorest) final score in all the parameters. The areas where improvement of living conditions is highly necessary were identified, including water, food, shade, and health care accessibility, fitting of harnesses and ropes used for animal immobilisation, and approach of the owners towards the animals. Collaborative efforts involving owners and handlers are crucial to improving their attitudes and practices towards donkeys.

Keywords

donkey, welfare, Algeria, work, health

Jazyk práce: English

Datum vytvoření / odevzdání či podání práce: 28. 4. 2024

Obhajoba závěrečné práce

• Obhajoba proběhla 3. 6. 2024
• Vedúci: Mgr. Martina Komárková, Ph.D.
• Oponent: Jan Pluháček, externi

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences

Master programme / specializace:
Wildlife and Livestock Production, Management and Conservation / Wildlife Management and Conservation