An estimated 40 million working donkeys support livelihoods across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, yet many suffer preventable welfare problems from overwork, poor harness fit, and inadequate veterinary care.
Working donkeys are among the most economically vital and welfare-neglected animals on the planet. They are essential to the livelihoods of millions of the world's poorest families, yet chronic overloading, inadequate nutrition, poorly fitted equipment, and lack of veterinary care cause endemic suffering. Donkeys' stoic temperament means welfare problems often go unnoticed until injuries are severe. Organisations including the Brooke and the Donkey Sanctuary have demonstrated through community-based programs that simple interventions — harness fitting training, basic veterinary care, and owner education — transform welfare outcomes rapidly and at low cost. Improving working donkey welfare is both an animal welfare priority and a poverty alleviation strategy.