Photo by Denis on Unsplash/ Representative Image
In a remarkable initiative aimed at animal welfare, the Sangli-based non-governmental organization (NGO) Animal Rahat has successfully rescued around 350 donkeys from 34 different brick kilns spread across the Sangli and Solapur districts in just one year. This significant effort was made possible after the NGO provided the brick kiln owners with tractors, which helped reduce their dependence on donkey labour.
Marking World Donkey Day with Meaningful Action
This rescue operation stands as a powerful symbol of compassion and responsibility, especially as it aligns with the World Donkey Day observed annually on May 8. This day serves as a reminder of the importance of treating donkeys with care, dignity, and kindness. It sheds light on their often-overlooked suffering and promotes efforts to improve their welfare.
A Species on the Decline
The situation is even more concerning when we look at the data. As per the 2019 animal census, there are only about 18,000 donkeys left in the entire State of Maharashtra. This sharp decline in their numbers highlights the urgent need for interventions like the one Animal Rahat is undertaking. Without such support, the survival of this humble species may soon be at risk.
Animal Rahat: Champions of Donkey Welfare
Animal Rahat has been devoted to helping donkeys for several years. The organization’s mission goes beyond just rescue—it also focuses on educating communities and encouraging the use of machinery over animal labour. By supplying tractors to the brick kilns, they offer a practical alternative that benefits both animals and kiln owners.
A Harsh Life for Working Donkeys
Shashikar Bharadwaj, a senior community development manager at Animal Rahat, shared deep insights into the harsh realities these animals face. He explained that donkeys in the brick kiln industry are forced to carry extremely heavy loads under the scorching sun, often while injured, exhausted, and underfed. Despite their hard work, the income that their labour brings to their owners is very minimal.
Bharadwaj also pointed out that there are still around 1,200 donkeys being used for labour in the Solapur district alone. This emphasizes how much more needs to be done to improve the lives of these voiceless animals.
A Future of Hope and Humanity
The work of Animal Rahat is not just about rescuing animals—it’s about creating a kinder and more humane system where both people and animals can thrive. With continued awareness, support, and practical solutions, there is hope that more donkeys will be freed from suffering, and communities will be empowered with better tools and understanding.
The Silent Suffering Behind ‘Donkey Labour’
In everyday conversations, we often use the phrase ‘gadha mazdoori’ or ‘donkey labour’ to casually describe situations where someone is overworked or exhausted. But behind this common expression lies a grim and painful reality—one that is far from a joke. The lives of actual donkeys used for labour are filled with unimaginable hardship and neglect.
Overworked in Harsh Environments
Donkeys are made to work in extremely tough conditions every single day. In places like brick kilns, construction sites, dry riverbeds, stone quarries, and farms, they are forced to carry heavy loads for more than 10 hours at a time. These animals are also commonly used for transporting goods. Despite the amount of work they do, the owners of these animals often earn only around Rs. 100 per day from them.
Each donkey is burdened with over 60 kilograms of weight and, after a long day’s work, many are left on roads without care or shelter. This neglect often leads to severe accidents, with some donkeys ending up paralyzed. Others gradually lose their eyesight due to constant exposure to dust, injuries, or infections, all without any medical help.
Abandoned and Starving During Monsoons
The situation becomes even worse during the rainy season. When work temporarily stops due to the monsoon, donkey owners often abandon the animals altogether. Left to fend for themselves, these donkeys wander the streets in search of food and water. With no other option, they are forced to eat garbage and plastic waste just to survive causing even more health issues.
A Wake-Up Call: Findings from Marathwada
To shed light on this hidden crisis, the Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisations (FIAPO) carried out a study titled ‘Breaking Backs – The Plight of Working Donkeys in Marathwada’. This research focused on the conditions faced by donkeys in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra, particularly those used in brick kilns and near dry riverbeds.
The findings were deeply disturbing. The team observed that most donkeys showed clear signs of poor physical health. Many were extremely thin and weak. Others suffered from lameness, skin diseases, and other health problems. Beyond physical illness, many of these animals appeared mentally affected as well—dull, tired, and without any energy or spirit. Their suffering goes mostly unnoticed by the public, hidden in the background of human industry and development.
The everyday use of the term ‘donkey labour’ must make us think more deeply. These animals, known for their patience and endurance, are being pushed to their limits without any basic care or compassion. Their pain is real, and their struggle is ongoing. If we are to become a more humane society, we must start by acknowledging the suffering of those who cannot speak for themselves.
The Forgotten Labourers: Protecting Working Equine Animals in India
Just like humans contribute to the workforce, many animals also serve a vital role in labour, especially in rural and tourist areas. Among these are equine animals—horses, mules, ponies, and donkeys—that are used to perform various physical tasks. These animals help transport people and goods and are often seen pulling carts, carriages, or other vehicles. Because of the kind of jobs they do, these animals are often referred to as working animals, draught animals, or pack animals.
Legal Safeguards for Working Animals
In India, the government has recognized the need to protect these animals through a law called the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Rules, 1965. This law is designed to protect equine animals from being overburdened or mistreated. For instance, it states that animals should not be made to carry extremely heavy loads or be forced to work during the hottest parts of the day, particularly the afternoon when the temperature can be dangerously high.
However, while these rules exist on paper, the reality is often disappointing. Enforcement of these laws is weak, and many cases of animal suffering go unnoticed or are ignored. At many popular tourist destinations—such as beaches, hill stations, and pilgrimage spots—equine animals are often overworked to the point of exhaustion or injury. These locations rely heavily on animals to carry tourists and their luggage, but little attention is given to the well-being of these animals.
Thankfully, not all hope is lost. There are organisations such as People For Animals Uttarakhand, that step in to rescue abused and overworked animals. These groups provide shelter, food, and medical care to animals that are no longer fit for work or have been cruelly treated. Their efforts are crucial in giving these animals a second chance at life, away from the burden of endless labour.
Cruelty Has Deadly Consequences
Sadly, despite the legal protections, many equine animals still suffer daily. When forced to work in harsh conditions or abused with cruel tools and methods, animals often suffer serious injuries, long-term health problems, or even death. Simple acts of kindness and better enforcement of existing laws could go a long way in reducing this suffering.
While laws and rescue organizations play an important role, protecting working animals is a shared responsibility. Tourists, locals, and authorities must all work together to ensure these animals are treated with the respect and care they deserve. After all, they are silent workers who help keep many livelihoods running and they deserve to live without pain or fear.
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