Donkeys provide essential livelihoods to millions of families in low-income countries, yet suffer from overwork, poor nutrition, and inadequate veterinary care in many contexts.
Donkeys are often invisible in animal welfare discussions focused on farm or companion animals. Yet working donkeys are central to the economic survival of some of the world's poorest communities. Welfare improvement requires community-centered approaches that recognize the economic context, provide practical low-cost solutions, and build local veterinary and farriery capacity. Imposing Western welfare standards without economic support is neither effective nor equitable.