An estimated 40 million working donkeys support livelihoods across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Their welfare is often severely compromised, with profound consequences for both animals and dependent families.
Working donkey welfare is deeply interconnected with human poverty. Families that depend on a donkey for their livelihood cannot afford veterinary treatment, proper harness, or to rest the animal when injured — creating a cycle where welfare and economic hardship reinforce each other. Donkeys that become lame or die create catastrophic economic consequences for dependent families. Welfare interventions that provide free or affordable veterinary care, harness fitting, and owner education address both animal welfare and human wellbeing simultaneously. The donkey skin trade adds an additional threat: donkeys are being stolen from working families in Sub-Saharan Africa to supply Chinese ejiao production, removing essential economic assets while causing animal welfare harm. Supporting the Donkey Sanctuary, SPANA, and Brooke Animal Health improves welfare at scale through direct intervention and capacity building.