Working donkeys, horses, and mules in developing countries carry enormous economic importance but face widespread welfare challenges from overwork and inadequate care.
Working equids in developing countries are essential economic assets to poor families, yet they often work while lame, starving, or carrying infected wounds because owners lack access to veterinary knowledge or medicines. The welfare crisis is immense in scale. Interventions that reach owners with practical knowledge and affordable treatments, rather than imposing external standards, are most effective. Improved welfare also improves economic outcomes - a healthy donkey works longer and earns more.