Bonded labour and donkey ownership in the brick kilns of India: A need for reform of policy and practice

Slavery, in the form of 'debt-bondage', is rife in Indian brick kilns, where the enforcement of labour laws is poor. Working equids support brick-kiln workers by transporting raw bricks into the kilns, but the situation of equids and their owners within the brick kilns is relatively unknown. We describe the welfare of donkeys (Equus asinus) owned under conditions of debt-bondage, examine the links between owner and donkey behaviour, and outline the living conditions of both donkeys and humans working in the brick kilns of Gujarat, India. We then explore the unique experience of debt-bondage by donkey owners, compare migration trends to those of non-donkey-owning workers and assess impacts on their children's education. The physical and behavioural conditions of donkeys reflected that of their owners, creating negative feedback loops and potentially reducing productivity. All donkey owners experienced debt-bondage and were particularly vulnerable to unexpected financial loss. Donkey owners, unlike non-owners, migrated within their home state, enabling their children to attend school. Our work highlights the need for policy reform within the brick-kiln industry to acknowledge the pivotal role of working donkeys in supporting human livelihoods.

Automated summary

Slavery, in the form of 'debt-bondage', is prevalent in Indian brick kilns due to poor enforcement of labour laws. The welfare of donkeys owned under debt-bondage conditions and the living conditions of both donkeys and humans in Gujarat's brick kilns are relatively unknown. This study explores the relationship between donkey owners and their donkeys, as well as the impacts of debt-bondage on migration patterns and children's education. The findings emphasize the need for policy reform in the brick-kiln industry to recognize the crucial role of working donkeys in supporting human livelihoods.