Ethiopia’s grain market donkeys

These hardworking animals may be so overloaded they can collapse to the ground exhausted and are unable to stand up again. Help us stop this.

The average day for a donkey or mule carrying grain to Ethiopia’s markets can begin as early as 3am. Loaded with sacks of grain weighing up to 200kgs – equivalent to the weight of two large men – they then walk up to 30km before they arrive at their destination.

Once they arrive at the market they could be standing for hours without proper rest, food or shade, heavy sacks of grain still tied to their backs. Often these animals collapse through sheer exhaustion. Market goers walk past these poor donkeys and mules, thinking that it is normal for animals to rest this way.

The truth is, pinned down by sacks of grain, these animals simply cannot get up. Help us change this.

The Brooke works with communities in villages surrounding the markets, running training sessions that explain to owners the importance of not overloading their animal. We teach them basic animal welfare so they can recognise when an animal is in pain – and more importantly how to prevent this suffering in the first place.

And our approach is working – one example is Solero who, after a training session with the Brooke, puts lighter loads on his mule Molla and unloads her immediately when they arrive at the market. He also brings her food with him so she can enjoy her bran whilst resting.

But we must do more.

Although life for some grain market animals such as Molla has improved many are still suffering. Shockingly, the average life expectancy for an animal working in the grain markets may be as little as 5 years – we cannot let this continue.

Your donation today can help us change the lives of these poor animals. From giving treatment and care to the animals that need it and by working with owners teaching good animal welfare practises; we can help ensure the grain market animals of Ethiopia have a healthy and happy future,