How working donkeys in low-income countries face unique welfare challenges and how international organizations are improving their wellbeing.
Working donkey welfare in low-income countries represents a form of animal welfare challenge that requires integration with human development objectives. Donkeys in these contexts are often the primary economic asset of vulnerable families - their welfare is inseparable from human poverty and livelihoods. Effective welfare improvement requires approaches that build owner capacity, provide accessible veterinary care, and demonstrate welfare improvements through enhanced working capability and reduced treatment costs. Organizations like the Brooke that combine veterinary services with owner education and community engagement have demonstrated that significant welfare improvements are achievable within resource-constrained settings. Supporting these organizations is direct welfare investment in tens of millions of working animals.