Donkeys remain one of the world's most important working animals, yet their welfare is chronically underserved due to misunderstanding of their distinct physiological and behavioural needs.
Donkeys are not small horses: their metabolism, thermoregulation, social needs and pain expression all differ significantly from equids. Working donkeys in low-income countries often carry excessive loads, work on inadequate forage, and receive no veterinary care. Their stoic temperament masks pain and illness until conditions are critical. In high-income countries, donkeys kept as single animals suffer from social isolation; those put on weight-loss diets risk hyperlipidemia. The Donkey Sanctuary's global field teams and veterinary education programmes address the welfare of millions of working animals otherwise beyond any welfare framework.