An estimated 40-50 million donkeys work in developing countries, often in poor welfare conditions. Improving working donkey welfare requires understanding their specific needs and the contexts of their use.
Working donkey welfare is a global welfare problem largely invisible to Western consumers and advocates. These animals work in extreme conditions - carrying heavy loads in intense heat without adequate food or water - often because their owners depend on them for household survival and may lack knowledge about donkey welfare needs. The welfare approach must be culturally sensitive and practically achievable: harness design improvements that reduce sores, owner education about donkey health signs, access to veterinary care, and nutrition guidance for local feed resources. Organizations like the Donkey Sanctuary have demonstrated that practical welfare improvements are achievable in low-resource contexts and benefit both donkeys and the families who depend on them.