Donkey sanctuaries worldwide provide welfare and rehabilitation for working and abandoned donkeys, with important lessons for working animal welfare globally.
Working donkeys with untreated harness sores, hoof problems, and malnutrition continue working in severe pain because owners lack veterinary access or training. The Donkey Sanctuary and similar organizations operate mobile clinics providing free treatment and owner education across developing countries. This directly improves welfare for the millions of donkeys essential to rural livelihoods.