Donkeys are among the world's most exploited working animals, with over 40 million working in developing countries under often severe welfare conditions.
Working donkey welfare is one of the most neglected areas of animal welfare globally. These animals form the backbone of agricultural and transport economies for millions of impoverished families, yet receive minimal veterinary care and are often worked to death. The rise in demand for ejiao has created an illegal slaughter industry that threatens donkey populations worldwide. Sanctuary-based care for retired or rescued donkeys demonstrates the species' capacity for recovery and social connection when properly managed. International organizations working with donkey-owning communities have shown that basic veterinary training and equipment improvements dramatically reduce suffering.