Working Animals International is celebrating the tenth anniversary of International Working Animal Day on 15th June 2026. The annual awareness campaign shines a spotlight on the crucial role played by working donkeys, horses, mules, camels, oxen and other animals around the world.
Survey Reveals Most Undervalued Animals
A survey of 2,000 adults, commissioned by the charity, found that bees, donkeys and mules are the most undervalued animals. Also on the list of underappreciated creatures are frogs, foxes and rats.
More than half (54%) of respondents believe the contributions of working animals are frequently overlooked, often because they are not considered 'cute'. For 42%, the animals are disregarded because people fail to appreciate their work for the planet and mankind. Meanwhile, 51% feel this would change if the public were better informed.
Even farm animals like pigs, chickens and goats are underappreciated, according to the survey.
Puzzle Highlights Working Animal Roles
The charity created a puzzle featuring 10 working animals in various roles, including oxen ploughing fields and horses taking children to school. Linda Edwards, chief executive of Working Animals International, said: 'We wanted to bring to life just how much work working animals do, and how often that contribution and their welfare is overlooked.'
More than half (56%) of those surveyed believe that education in schools would boost awareness. Others suggested TV programmes (36%), books (34%) and films (29%) could help. A third said national awareness days would broaden understanding, and 43% feel more informed about working animals than 10 years ago.
Linda Edwards added: 'Millions of working animals help people earn a living, access essential services and support their families, yet their contribution is too often overlooked. On International Working Animal Day, we are celebrating these remarkable animals and calling for greater recognition of their welfare needs.'
10 Animals to Find in the Puzzle
- Horse taking kids to school
- Donkey working on a construction site
- Ox farming/ploughing fields
- Camel transporting goods
- Dog helping people with sight issues
- Goat clearing vegetation
- Rat detecting landmines
- Falcon deterring birds at airports
- Dolphin detecting underwater explosives
- Pig sniffing out truffles
Top 20 Overlooked Animals According to Brits
- Bees
- Donkeys
- Mules
- Frogs
- Pigs
- Pigeons
- Foxes
- Chickens
- Goats
- Rats
- Mice
- Silkworms
- Ducks
- Sheep
- Camels
- Oxen
- Ferrets
- Dolphins
- Geese
- Panda
