Approximately 40 million donkeys worldwide provide essential transport and agricultural work in developing countries. Their welfare is often overlooked despite chronic hardship.
Overloaded donkeys develop back sores that become infected and untreated. Working while lame is common where replacement is not financially possible. Donkeys slaughtered for skin trade often have their skin removed while conscious. The welfare of working donkeys is deeply intertwined with the poverty and resource constraints of their owners.