<![CDATA[This study aims to analyze the animal welfare index for horses sold at the Horse Market in Jeneponto Regency. A mixed methods approach was used, combining quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data were obtained through observations of 100 horses using the Five Freedoms principle, assessed on a scale of 1-5, while qualitative data were collected through interviews with traders, buyers, and market managers. Data were analyzed descriptively by calculating the animal welfare index based on the average score of all observed indicators. The results showed that the horse animal welfare index was 2.16, which is considered adequate. The highest score was for freedom from pain/injury/disease (3.56), categorized as good, while the lowest score was for freedom from hunger and thirst (1.00), categorized as poor. Freedom from discomfort (1.73) and freedom to express natural behavior (2.00) were also considered low, while freedom from stress was considered adequate (2.50). The low implementation of animal welfare is influenced by limited market facilities, high livestock density, unhygienic environmental conditions, and market participants' poor understanding of animal welfare principles. This study shows that the implementation of animal welfare in horse trading in traditional horse markets is still not optimal, so that improvements in facilities, improved market management, and education related to animal welfare for all market players are needed to support a more sustainable and ethical livestock trading system.]]>
