Ethical responsibilities towards expedition pack animals: The Mountain Guide’s and Expedition Leader’s Ethical Responsibilities Towards Pack Animals on Expedition

Mountain Guides and Expedition Leaders often find themselves using pack animals, such as mules, on expedition. In the absence of motorised transport, the mule’s ability to carry heavy loads over difficult mountainous terrain is thus exploited. Superficially, this can be reduced to a contractual arrangement between the mule owner and guide: the muleteer is able to secure employment because, together with his mule, he is able to offer a service in exchange for money. In employing the muleteer, the leader enters into a contract with another moral being that brings with it various rights and responsibilities. The nature of the contract between the leader and the mule, however, is far from clear and the leader’s responsibilities easily overlooked.

► We review the role of pack animals in the emerging mountain tourism industry.
► We discuss the industry’s failure to recognise its responsibilities to pack animals.
► We analyse the expedition/mountain leader’s responsibilities to pack animals.
► The leader’s responsibilities must be understood, recognised and respected.
► The expedition: a common project with common objectives and a common code of ethics.