Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices on Working Equine Welfare Among Owners in Gondar Town, Ethiopia

Abstract

Working equines are indispensable for transport and agriculture in Gondar town, yet welfare standards remain understudied. This first Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices study in this region highlights critical gaps despite working equines' socio-economic importance. A questionnaire survey was employed to collect data from 384 equine owners, assessing their demographic profiles, knowledge of equine welfare, attitudes toward animal care, and the welfare practices. A 5-point Likert questionnaire was used, and descriptive analysis was conducted. Only 40.9% understood animal welfare concepts, while 59.4% couldnot define it. The largest group of equine owners were aged 21-30 (47.7%) and most respondents (84.5%) maintained only "fair" practices, which indicates a universal need for practical welfare support. Statistical analysis showed no significant differences across demographics, though numeric variability was observed by age, education, and occupation. This study contributes to the ongoing discourse on animal welfare in Ethiopia, offering recommendations for future initiatives aimed at supporting equine owners. Ultimately, the findings emphasize the need for improved educational strategies and support systems to facilitate better health outcomes, thereby enhancing the livelihoods of those who rely upon them.