Donkeys are essential working animals for millions of families across the Middle East and North Africa, but they are frequently overworked, undernourished, and denied veterinary care.
Working donkeys in the Middle East and North Africa face welfare challenges rooted in poverty, limited veterinary access, and cultural attitudes toward working animals. Overloading, inadequate nutrition, untreated wounds, and lack of hoof care create chronic suffering for millions of animals. The welfare of these donkeys is inseparable from the livelihoods of the families who depend on them — interventions that improve animal health and fitness directly benefit owner income and wellbeing. Mobile veterinary services, owner education programmes, and community-based animal health worker training have demonstrated consistent impact. The emerging ejiao hide trade poses a new threat, incentivising donkey slaughter in communities that previously valued them as long-term working assets.