Study improves awareness of pack mule welfare

Description

Researchers trained trekking teams to work more compassionately with their animals.

The welfare of working equines can be improved by training owners to recognise and address signs of physical and emotional distress, new research suggests.

The eight-year study took place in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco, during which the team trained mountain guides in pack animal welfare and trekking teams to work more compassionately with their mules.

Their findings, published in the Journal of Awareness-Based Systems Change, fed into the development of company practices and new industry standards.