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Home / Equine Research Bank / PLoS One / A standardised equine-based welfare assessment tool used for...
PloS one2018; 13(2); e0192354; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0192354

A standardised equine-based welfare assessment tool used for six years in low and middle income countries.

Abstract: The majority of horses, donkeys and mules (equids) are in low- and middle-income countries, where they remain a key source of labour in the construction, agriculture and tourism industries, as well as supporting households daily through transporting people and staple goods. Globally, approximately 600 million people depend on working equids for their livelihood. Safeguarding the welfare of these animals is essential for them to work, as well as for the intrinsic value of the animal's quality of life. In order to manage animal welfare, it must be measured. Over the past decade, welfare assessment methodologies have emerged for different species, more recently for equids. We present the Standardised Equine-Based Welfare Assessment Tool (SEBWAT) for working equids. The tool is unique, in that it has been applied in practice by a non-governmental organisation (NGO) for six years across Low-Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). We describe the revision of the tool from an original to a second version, the tool methodology and user training process and how data collection and analysis have been conducted. We describe its application at scale, where it has been used more than 71,000 times in 11 countries. Case study examples are given from the tool being used for a needs assessment in Guatemala and monitoring welfare change in Jordan. We conclude by describing the main benefits and limitations for how the tool could be applied by others on working equids in LMICs and how it may develop in the future.
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Publication Date: 2018-02-21 PubMed ID: 29466391PubMed Central: PMC5821349DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0192354Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research focuses on the Standardised Equine-Based Welfare Assessment Tool (SEBWAT), a tool that’s been assessing the welfare of working horses, donkeys, and mules in low- and middle-income countries for six years. It’s been used extensively in 11 countries and has aided in monitoring welfare changes and responding to animal needs through detailed assessment.

Explaining the Tool and its Objective

  • The Standardised Equine-Based Welfare Assessment Tool (SEBWAT) is a unique tool designed to assess the welfare of working creatures like horses, donkeys, and mules (collectively known as equids), which are integral to various industries like construction, agriculture, tourism, and transportation in low- and middle-income countries.
  • Approximately 600 million people globally are dependent on these working animals for their livelihoods, highlighting the necessity of ensuring their welfare, both for their intrinsic value and their ability to work effectively.
  • Given this need, the SEBWAT functions to provide a regular checkup on the welfare of these animals, effectively monitoring and managing any health issues that may hinder their functionality.

Application of SEBWAT

  • The paper mentions that the tool has been applied over 71,000 times across 11 different countries, indicating its adaptability and widespread use in assessing animal welfare.
  • The research provides instances where SEBWAT effectively identified animal welfare needs and monitor changes in their health over a specific duration—like in the case of Guatemala for a needs assessment and in Jordan for monitoring welfare change.
  • Data collection and analysis conducted via this tool have shown valuable results in understanding and ensuring equid welfare across nations.

Revision and Training

  • The paper also mentions a revision of the tool from its original version to a second version, improving its efficiency and reliability in welfare assessment.
  • A proper user training process was implemented to ensure the accurate and effective application of the SEBWAT tool. Clear guidelines on data collection, analysis, and application in various scenarios helped further enhance its adoption and results.

Future Prospects and Limitations

  • The research concludes by discussing the potential applications and limitations of the SEBWAT tool, emphasizing how it can be applied to assess the welfare of working equids in low- and middle-income countries and its potential for future development.
  • While the tool has shown significant results, the limitations it carries cannot be overlooked. These can influence the results obtained and how the tool could be further improved to better assess and oversee equid welfare.

Cite This Article

APA
Sommerville R, Brown AF, Upjohn M. (2018). A standardised equine-based welfare assessment tool used for six years in low and middle income countries. PLoS One, 13(2), e0192354. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0192354

Publication

PloS one
ISSN: 1932-6203
NlmUniqueID: 101285081
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 13
Issue: 2
Pages: e0192354
PII: e0192354

Researcher Affiliations

Sommerville, Rebecca
  • Brooke, Action for Working Horses and Donkeys, London, United Kingdom.
Brown, Ashleigh F
  • Brooke, Action for Working Horses and Donkeys, London, United Kingdom.
Upjohn, Melissa
  • Brooke, Action for Working Horses and Donkeys, London, United Kingdom.

MeSH Terms

  • Animal Welfare
  • Animals
  • Developing Countries
  • Equidae
  • Organizations

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

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Citations

This article has been cited 35 times.
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