Abstract

• Animal welfare refers to the overall physical and emotional well-being of an animal in the environment it inhabits and during its life and death. An animal's welfare is considered good if it is in good health, comfortable, well-nourished, safe, free from suffering such as pain, fear, and discomfort, and able to exhibit behaviors essential for its physical and mental well-being. In numerous low and middle-income countries, individuals rely significantly on draught animals. Approximately 95% of animal caretakers live in extreme poverty, making working animals their most valuable and cherished possession. They empower their owners to engage in labor, enhancing their economic capabilities, while also advancing gender equality, facilitating access to crucial services, and offering chances to engage in cost-saving programs. Around 100 million working animals play a crucial role in agricultural systems, providing income for their owners and helping save approximately 20 million tons of fuel annually. The impact of legislation on animal welfare is contingent upon the actions and decisions made by the owner in using and maintaining the animals. Regardless of legislation, numerous individuals have criticized actions deemed as cruel to animals. Animals utilized by humans should not be seen as mere objects but should be safeguarded from any activities that could lead to their misery. This issue is ancient and prevalent throughout human culture. The study intends to assess the compatibility between reaching the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and enhancing animal welfare for working animals. The document aims to acknowledge the crucial role of working animals in reducing poverty, eradicating hunger, controlling disease spread, and addressing environmental concerns. The research emphasizes the importance of safeguarding the well-being of working animals by asserting that "assisting animals equates to assisting people."