Aggression in working mules and subsequent aggressive treatment by their handlers in Egyptian brick kilns - cause or effect?

Mules found working in Egyptian brick kilns are often faced with poor welfare from being over worked, overloaded, having multiple lesions from ill-fitted harnesses, poor body scores, as well as receiving aversive treatment by handlers. Reports have frequently revealed aggressive responses by mules towards their handlers. The main goal of this study was to investigate whether mule aggression is an innate act towards people or is a reactive response to rough handling procedures by their handlers. A total of 374 mules from 50 different kilns were assessed and their handlers were interviewed.
Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research - Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Source Type: research