Donkey Welfare and Working Animal Needs

Donkeys are among the world's most used working animals, with over 40 million serving in labor across developing countries, often with inadequate welfare provisions.

Key Facts

Over 40 million donkeys worldwide provide essential transport and labor in developing countries
Donkeys mask pain and illness more effectively than horses, making welfare assessment challenging
Common welfare problems include overloading, wounds, and inadequate veterinary care
Donkeys have different social, dietary, and medical needs than horses that are often unrecognized
The Donkey Sanctuary and other organizations provide veterinary training in developing countries
Donkey skin trade for ejiao production is causing population crashes in some African countries

Welfare Considerations

Working donkeys in low-income countries often face extreme welfare challenges: overloading beyond their physical capacity, wounds from poorly fitted tack, inadequate nutrition, lack of veterinary care, and no rest periods. Their stoic nature means serious illness is often not recognized until advanced. The ejiao trade, driving demand for donkey hides, is causing working donkeys to be slaughtered under poor welfare conditions in countries where they are integral to family livelihoods. Improving donkey welfare requires addressing poverty as well as knowledge and resources.

What You Can Do

Support organizations providing veterinary training and supplies for working donkeys in developing countries
Avoid products containing ejiao given concerns about the welfare of donkeys in the supply chain
Learn about donkey-specific welfare needs which differ significantly from horses
Donate to organizations like the Donkey Sanctuary working in low-income country contexts
Advocate for inclusion of working animal welfare in international development programs