Domestication and animal labour

Chapter 14International audienceDomestication processes have long been studied under the main characteristic of man’s domination over animals, although many authors put an emphasis on the relational aspects of these processes and therefore on the self-governing role that certain species played therein. In Western countries, the number and economic value of domestic animals – as well as pets – have granted them a very important place in society. A central element of our relations to these animals is nevertheless underestimated and underdocumented: it is our relationship in labour. The release of animals from labour, far from being liberation, can have detrimental consequences for the individuals and for our relation to the concerned species. The case of Irish horses and Garrano ponies in Portugal illustrates this theory. Protected but considered often as a nuisance, these ponies experience difficult life conditions when they are not in labour. "Rewilding" them make them easy prey for wolves, among other important issues. By combining it with the issue of labour, we suggest reflecting on the future of these animals according to the social theories of reciprocity and gift exchange