A brainteaser released to mark International Working Animal Day hides 10 working animals in a single scene – from oxen ploughing fields to horses taking children to school – but new research suggests many of these creatures remain remarkably invisible to the public.
The puzzle, created by the charity Working Animals International to celebrate the tenth anniversary of its awareness day on 15 June, comes as a survey of 2,000 adults found bees, donkeys and mules are among the most overlooked working animals. Frogs, foxes and rats also made the list of underappreciated animals, along with pigs, chickens and goats, which all secured places in the top 20.
“Bees, donkeys and mules are the most overlooked working animals, charity research reveals for International Working Animal Day.”
More than half (54%) of respondents believe the contribution of working animals is frequently overlooked, with many suggesting these animals are often undervalued because they are not seen as ‘cute’. For 42%, the view is that particular animals are dismissed because people do not understand their significance to the planet and humanity, though 51% believe this would not occur if society was better informed about the tasks they undertake.
“We wanted to bring to life just how much work working animals do, and how often that contribution and their welfare is overlooked,” said Linda Edwards, chief executive of Working Animals International. “The puzzle shows the breadth of their roles from oxen ploughing fields to horses taking children to school. These animals perform essential jobs that are part of everyday life in many communities around the world. We hope that by encouraging people to look for working animals in the puzzle, that they, and their welfare, become more visible.”
The survey, conducted through OnePoll, also found that 56% of respondents believe school education would improve the wider public’s awareness of working animals. Nevertheless, many feel that references within popular culture could prove equally valuable, including in television programmes (36%), books (34%) and films (29%). A third also proposed that national awareness days would broaden public knowledge, while 43% feel better informed and more conscious of working animals today compared to a decade ago.
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.”