An estimated 40 million donkeys work daily in low- and middle-income countries, carrying loads, drawing water, and supporting livelihoods. Their welfare is often severely compromised.
Working donkeys represent a largely invisible welfare crisis affecting tens of millions of animals. These intelligent, stoic animals often mask signs of pain and discomfort, leading owners to underestimate their suffering. Key welfare priorities include access to clean water, appropriate nutrition, shade and rest, properly fitted harness equipment, basic veterinary care including hoof trimming and wound treatment, and protection from overloading. Cultural attitudes about donkey intelligence and sentience can impede welfare improvements. Community-based veterinary outreach programmes that work alongside donkey owners and respect local knowledge and economic realities have shown the greatest success in improving welfare outcomes at scale.