Over 40 million donkeys work in developing countries providing essential transport and agricultural labor, often under conditions of severe welfare compromise including overloading, inadequate water, and untreated injuries.
Donkeys have a strong stoic nature that masks signs of pain and illness, making welfare assessment challenging. Many working donkeys endure chronic pain from harness sores, foot problems, and overloading without their keepers realizing the extent of suffering. Education-based welfare programs in partnership with local communities have proven highly effective at improving outcomes.