An estimated 40-50 million working donkeys worldwide provide essential livelihoods in developing countries, often with inadequate veterinary care and poor working conditions.
Working donkey welfare involves animals whose suffering is largely invisible to consumers in wealthy countries yet represents an enormous global welfare burden. Donkeys working with harness sores, untrimmed hooves, and without shade or water access suffer chronic pain that compounds daily. Practical welfare improvements including harness fitting advice, hoof trimming training, shade provision, and water access at working sites are achievable with modest resources. Linking welfare improvements to productivity arguments resonates with economically motivated owners: healthy, well-cared-for donkeys work more effectively for longer. Community-based veterinary support programs in donkey-dependent communities create lasting improvement.