An estimated 40-50 million donkeys worldwide provide essential labor in developing countries, yet their welfare is often severely neglected. Understanding donkey needs is crucial for both animal welfare and the livelihoods that depend on them.
Working donkey welfare is inseparable from the economic context in which these animals live. Owners who appear negligent may simply lack the resources, knowledge, or access to veterinary care needed to maintain donkey health. Effective interventions combine veterinary outreach with owner education and tools that make good donkey care practical and affordable. Harness fitting, basic wound care, hoof trimming, and access to clean water can transform welfare outcomes for working donkeys. The ejiao trade has created a separate acute welfare crisis — donkeys are being stolen, transported, and slaughtered under terrible conditions across multiple continents to supply growing demand.