Approximately 44 million working donkeys provide essential transport and labor for impoverished communities worldwide, yet most lack basic veterinary care and protection from overwork.
Working donkeys in developing countries face a cycle of overwork, inadequate nutrition, and neglect of injuries that stems from poverty rather than malice. Owners depend completely on their donkeys for livelihood and often lack resources for veterinary care or proper equipment. Welfare interventions must work within this economic reality, providing practical solutions like improved harness designs, basic first aid training, and community-level veterinary access. Improving donkey welfare in these contexts also improves family incomes and food security.