Livestock

Donkey Welfare in Working Animal Contexts

An estimated 40 million donkeys worldwide serve as working animals in low-income countries, where they face high rates of lameness, overwork and inadequate veterinary care.

Key Facts

Donkeys are the most numerous equid species after horses
Up to 80% of working donkeys in some countries have lameness or skin lesions
Donkeys are stoic and mask pain effectively, leading to chronic undertreatment
They are highly social and suffer when isolated or separated from companions
An estimated 4.8 million donkeys are slaughtered annually for ejiao (gelatin)

Welfare Considerations

Working donkeys in low-income countries are essential to family livelihoods. Harness sores, hoof neglect and overloading are the most common welfare problems. The ejiao trade has created a global donkey skin shortage, driving theft and unregulated slaughter. Welfare interventions through community farriery training and harness fitting show measurable impact.

What You Can Do

Support organisations like The Donkey Sanctuary and SPANA
Avoid products containing ejiao or ask manufacturers for supply chain transparency
Advocate for donkey welfare to be included in international development programmes
Donate to working equid welfare projects in Africa, Asia and Latin America