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Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2019; 9(4); 159; doi: 10.3390/ani9040159

The Role and Welfare of Cart Donkeys Used in Waste Management in Karachi, Pakistan.

Abstract: Equine ownership is a common income-generating strategy in Pakistan. In Karachi, donkey carts are used to transport building materials, commercial produce and garbage. This study aimed to articulate the role and welfare of donkeys used in waste management. We conducted interviews with donkey owners ( = 200), households which use donkey carts for waste collection ( = 50) and key informants ( = 14). To assess the welfare of donkeys, the Standardised Equine-Based Welfare Assessment Tool (SEBWAT) was used ( = 204). Collection of waste was the primary source of income for 89% of owners interviewed. Of those directly involved in waste collection, 62% were found to be under 18 years of age. During interviews with donkey cart customers the majority reported that there would be a huge garbage build-up if donkey carts were not available. Welfare assessments demonstrated that 52.9% of donkeys had a body condition score of two. Muzzle mutilation was extremely high (78.4%) and 66.7% of donkeys had superficial knee lesions. This is the first study that has explored the role of donkey carts in waste management in Pakistan. The data demonstrate the sizable role that donkey-owning communities play in waste management and the important livelihood option this offers, as well as considerable animal welfare concerns.
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Publication Date: 2019-04-12 PubMed ID: 31013717PubMed Central: PMC6523980DOI: 10.3390/ani9040159Google 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 examines the use and welfare conditions of donkeys involved in waste management in Karachi, Pakistan, highlighting the considerable economic contribution of donkey-owning communities while raising significant concerns about animal welfare.

Objective of the Study

  • The study aimed to explore the role and welfare of donkeys used for waste management purposes in Karachi, Pakistan. The researchers conducted interviews with various stakeholders including donkey owners, households using donkey carts for waste collection, and key informants.

Methodology

  • Interviews were conducted with 200 donkey owners, 50 households, and 14 key informants. For the welfare assessment of donkeys, the researchers used a Standardised Equine-Based Welfare Assessment Tool (SEBWAT) and evaluated 204 donkeys.

Results of the Study

  • Waste collection was found to be the primary source of income for 89% of the owners interviewed.
  • 62% of the individuals directly engaged in waste collection were reported to be less than 18 years old.
  • The majority of people who use donkey carts for garbage disposal feared a significant accumulation of garbage if the service were unavailable.
  • Animal welfare assessments indicated serious concerns. As many as 52.9% of donkeys were found to have a body condition score of two, indicating potential malnutrition or neglect.
  • Muzzle mutilation was extremely prevalent at 78.4%, and 66.7% of donkeys were found with superficial knee lesions. This indicates physical abuse or inadequate care and working conditions.

Significance of the Study

  • This research is the first to explore the crucial role that donkey carts play in waste management in Pakistan. The significant reliance of the community on these animals for livelihood and waste management services is evidenced by the data.
  • The study also reveals substantial animal welfare issues in this sector. It presents the need for better regulations and practices to improve the health and living conditions of donkeys used in waste management.

Cite This Article

APA
Shah SZA, Nawaz Z, Nawaz S, Carder G, Ali M, Soomro N, Compston PC. (2019). The Role and Welfare of Cart Donkeys Used in Waste Management in Karachi, Pakistan. Animals (Basel), 9(4), 159. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9040159

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 9
Issue: 4
PII: 159

Researcher Affiliations

Shah, Syed Zahir Ali
  • Brooke (Pakistan) South Region, RCVH, MA Jinnah Road, Karachi 74100, Pakistan. zahir@thebrooke.org.pk.
Nawaz, Zahid
  • Brooke (Pakistan) South Region, RCVH, MA Jinnah Road, Karachi 74100, Pakistan. zahid@thebrooke.org.pk.
Nawaz, Sher
  • Brooke (Pakistan) South Region, RCVH, MA Jinnah Road, Karachi 74100, Pakistan. shernawaz@thebrooke.org.pk.
Carder, Gemma
  • Brooke (UK), Friars Bridge Court, 41-45 Blackfriars Rd, South Bank, London SE1 8NZ, UK. gemma.carder@thebrooke.org.
Ali, Manuchahar
  • Brooke (Pakistan) South Region, RCVH, MA Jinnah Road, Karachi 74100, Pakistan. manuchahar@gmail.com.
Soomro, Naimatullah
  • Brooke (Pakistan) South Region, RCVH, MA Jinnah Road, Karachi 74100, Pakistan. naimatullah.soomro@thebrooke.org.pk.
Compston, Polly C
  • The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK. pcompston@rvc.ac.uk.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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