An estimated 40 million donkeys work globally in low-income countries. Their welfare is often overlooked despite the central role they play in communities dependent on animal power.
Working donkeys represent an enormous and largely invisible welfare burden. In communities that depend on animal power for livelihoods, donkeys work long hours under heavy loads often without access to adequate water, shade, or veterinary care. Their stoic nature means welfare problems are often only recognised when animals are too ill to continue working. Wound management, hoof care, harness fitting, and weight management are achievable welfare improvements that also extend the working life of these animals and protect the livelihoods of dependent families. Welfare improvement in working donkeys must be community-centred and economically viable for owners.