An estimated 40 million working donkeys, horses, and mules in developing countries bear significant welfare burdens, with those in the Middle East and North Africa facing particularly high rates of preventable suffering.
Working donkeys in MENA countries are essential economic assets for the poorest rural and urban households. Their welfare is directly tied to the livelihoods of their owners, creating opportunities for welfare improvement that align with economic interests. Harness wounds, the leading cause of suffering, can be dramatically reduced through simple padding and fitting corrections that also improve the donkey's performance and working life. Hoof care training and access to farriery services reduce lameness. Shade, water access, and rest period requirements are recognised in some national legislation but rarely enforced. Community-based welfare education programmes have proven highly effective in improving outcomes.