Donkeys are among the world's most overworked and undervalued animals, with an estimated 40 million working donkeys facing severe welfare challenges across developing regions.
Donkeys endure some of the most severe welfare conditions of any working animal. Overloading, wounds from ill-fitting harnesses, untreated injuries, and harsh handling are common. Donkeys are stoic animals that mask pain, making it easy to miss suffering. The ejiao trade has devastated donkey populations in some countries. Culturally sensitive education and affordable veterinary services are essential to improve donkey welfare at scale.