Donkeys have profoundly different physiology and behavioral needs than horses but are often managed using horse husbandry practices, leading to significant welfare problems worldwide.
Donkeys are among the most overlooked domestic animals in welfare discourse despite their enormous population and heavy working role. Their stoic nature means they suffer in silence while appearing fine, and their misidentification as small horses leads to inappropriate management. Hyperlipemia is a particular welfare emergency that can be triggered by any stressful event including routine procedures, and kills quickly. Working donkeys in developing countries often carry excessive loads, have untreated hoof problems, and receive minimal veterinary care despite working daily in harsh conditions. Welfare improvement requires donkey-specific knowledge reaching both professional veterinarians and the smallholder farmers who depend on them.