Including Development and Implementation of Legislation

Including Development and Implementation of Legislation

Horses, Mules, Ponies, Donkeys 11,39,897 in India (2012 census report) (46,272 in sports, rest working almost 95%) Means of Livelihood mostly in rural areas. Mainly for the poor and illiterate people. Cheap source of draught power and ecofriendly transportation. Major transport in the food chain in villages (to carry grains, milk, vegetables etc.,)

(May be used as a pack animal or cart animal) In tongas/ carts to carry people & materials At construction sites to carry building materials. For brick kiln work At pilgrimage places/ tourism sites to carry people. Equine sports (Racing, polo, dressage etc.,) Entertainment, films, circuses.

Significant contribution in brick kiln work BY PACK BY CART

KHAJJIAR- CHAMBA

Mules/ Ponies at Pilgrimage site KATRA

Inadequate feed, water and medical attention Heavy loads, difficult terrain, poor roads Extremely challenging work environments Adverse climatic conditions Parasites, sores, saddle galls, sunburns, serious injuries, heat stress, exhaustion, dehydration, spinal pain, lameness etc., Lack of proper awareness of equine husbandry practices among owners Local vets don t have adequate knowledge of equines. (Vet. Syllabus in vet. Schools needs improvement). Equines not a Govt. priority

Priority of Govt. vets are animals used for production like goat, sheep and buffaloes. Equines also need to be given attention by Govt. vets. Vet. help not provided and no regulations at equine fairs, pilgrim sites. Lack of facilities for proper training /certification in farriery. Challenge of Contagious/Endemic disease management Glanders, Trypanosomiasis etc., - Issue of Compensation/ Insurance non-existent. Lack of proper saddlery/line gear. Breeding from animals with genetic defects.

GLANDERSa zoonotic disease

GENETIC DISORDERS COW HOCK SLOPING PASTERNS

Brooke Hospitals (India) Humane Society International (India)

The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. The Transport of Animals Rules, 1978 amended in 2001 The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Licensing of Farriers) Rules, 1965. The Prevention of Cruelty to Draught and Pack Animals Rules, 1965 amended in 1968. (Main problem is awareness and lack of enforcement of legislation).

Weight that can be carried by each animal. Duration of work. Sick animals and juveniles should not be allowed to work. Food, water, veterinary care/health check-up and quarantine regulations in pilgrimage/ tourist sites & equine fares Management of endemic and contagious diseases and genetic disorders.

Equine husbandry/welfare issues to be added in veterinary education curriculum. Govt. vets to be trained for handling and treatment of equines through short training courses. More NGOs need to be involved in equine welfare/ awareness creation. Creating awareness and knowledge of good practices to equine owners (preventive health care/ first aid, nutrition and shoeing) Empowering women and children in equine husbandry/ welfare issues.

BAD FARRIERY POORLY FITTED SHOE

Breed improvement, good quality donkey stallions for mule breeding to reduce genetic disorders. Course in farriery and proper licensing of farriers. Compensation/ insurance mechanisms to deal with endemic diseases/spread of contagious diseases. Mobile equine vet. clinics. More no. of paravets. Need to open more veterinary colleges.

It is unethical to make equines work for our livelihood without caring for their welfare. Taking care of their welfare will optimise the work output and hence livelihood. Proper vet. care can improve equine welfare and in turn the livelihood of rural people. THANK YOU.

OIE for the opportunity Maj.Gen.R.M.Kharb, Chairman AWBI and Maj.Gen.M.L.Sharma, CEO, Brooke India for their support and inputs (especially photos from Brooke Hospital for Animals, India).