Over 40 million donkeys work in developing countries as essential transportation and agricultural assets. Their welfare is often poor due to overloading, inadequate veterinary care, and lack of harness fit assessment.
Working donkeys carry enormous burdens — literally and figuratively — in supporting the livelihoods of millions of poor rural families. Their welfare problems are often chronic: poorly fitting harnesses cause painful wounds, excessive loads cause musculoskeletal damage, and dehydration is common in hot climates. Welfare improvements that train handlers in harnessing and load management are cost-effective and improve both donkey health and working efficiency.