.jpg "Missy Daniels and her rescue Kelpie Charli support World Animal Day 2026.")
How Australia’s $3B working dog workforce connects to a global welfare message this October 4
This World Animal Day (Sunday, 4 October), animal welfare advocates are urging Australians to look beyond companion pets and consider the essential contributions—and often hidden struggles—of working animals across the globe.
While Australian dog owners know first-hand the intelligence and hard work of local livestock dogs, new national research released by Working Animals International reveals a significant awareness gap when it comes to the global working animal workforce.
From Aussie Working Dogs to Global Workhorses
In Australia, livestock working dogs remain a cornerstone of agricultural life, contributing an estimated $3 billion annually to the national economy. Yet, according to a recent OnePoll study of 2,000 Australians conducted by Working Animals International, eight in ten Australians believe working animals are overlooked and taken for granted.
Beyond Australia's borders, the awareness gap is even wider, with 29 per cent of Australians unaware of the essential roles working animals carry out in developing nations.
From draft oxen to herding mules, these animals perform vital labour:
- Mules: Half of Australians surveyed (50 per cent) were unaware of the roles played by mules—the offspring of a male donkey and a female horse—which are increasingly used by farmers to herd livestock and act as paddock guardians.
- Bullocks and Oxen: Despite serving as the transport muscle that built early colonial Australia from 1795 through the mid-20th century, 64 per cent of respondents were unsure if bullocks and oxen assist humans.
A "Donkey's-Eye View" of Life on the Front Lines
To mark World Animal Day, Working Animals International has released rare "donkey's-eye view" footage capturing the daily reality of 13-year-old water donkey "Lagdaf" in Mauritania, West Africa.
In region temperatures that can reach a scorching 45°C, Lagdaf hauls 400 litres of water—more than double his own body weight—for over 10 hours a day alongside his owner to supply fresh water to his community.
The research indicates that climate change is a rising concern among the Australian public, with 69 per cent expressing worry about the impact of the climate crisis on working animals operating in extreme heat. Overall, 81 per cent of Australians believe more should be done to support working animals, citing injury or illness, long working hours, and lack of food and water as their primary concerns.
Moving from Concern to Action
The study revealed a strong desire among Australians to see animal welfare standards improved globally, though a gap remains between sentiment and action:
- 83 per cent of Australians want to help working animals lead better lives.
- 46 per cent have not yet taken action, citing financial constraints, lack of awareness, and a lack of time as key barriers.
- 62 per cent noted that viewing direct footage of working animal conditions would spur them to act.
Missy Daniels, the newly appointed Australian Country Director for Working Animals International, emphasizes that World Animal Day provides an ideal opportunity to extend our empathy across species and borders.
“When we talk about animal welfare, we readily talk about companion animals, farmed animals and wildlife – working animals deserve that same attention," says Daniels. "Lagdaf’s story offers a rare glimpse to see life from a working animal’s perspective and connect with the reality behind the work they do every day.”
“Australians clearly care about the welfare of working animals and want to see their lives improve – what this research shows, however, is that concern does not always translate into support for working animals.”
A Lifelong Passion for Rescue
Daniels brings a deep personal commitment to her new role. Her passion for rescue work began at age 16 when she saved her first rescue, a mistreated and starving horse named "Wally," from being shot by his owner.
Today, her personal family of 20 rescue animals includes "flaming galahs," cockatiels, electric blue, purple, and yellow finches, and her Kelpie, Charli.
Through her work with Working Animals International, she aims to ensure working animals receive the veterinary care, welfare standards, and recognition they deserve.
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Formerly known as SPANA, Working Animals International has supported working animals and the communities that depend on them for over a century, delivering veterinary treatment, community education, and emergency feed programs worldwide.
For more information or to donate, visit
