Tens of millions of working donkeys provide essential livelihoods for poor communities globally while experiencing significant preventable welfare problems.
Working donkey welfare sits at the intersection of animal welfare and development — donkeys provide the economic foundation for millions of impoverished households, yet they routinely experience preventable suffering from wounds, lameness, malnutrition, and overwork. Addressing working donkey welfare improves both animal and human outcomes: a healthy, well-harnessed donkey works more effectively, earns more, and lives longer, directly benefiting the families that depend on it. Community-based programs that deliver basic veterinary care, harness design training, and owner education have demonstrated remarkable welfare improvements at modest cost. This makes working donkey welfare one of the most cost-effective animal welfare interventions available.