Working donkeys in tropical and subtropical regions face particular welfare challenges from heat stress combined with heavy workloads and poor nutrition.
Working donkeys in hot climates face a compounded welfare challenge: high workloads in conditions that create heat stress, often with inadequate water, food, and rest. The welfare consequences include heat exhaustion, harness injuries, lameness, and chronic malnutrition. Community-based welfare programs that address water access, appropriate harness fitting, load limits, and basic nutrition provide practical welfare improvements that also improve working capacity and owner livelihoods. The connection between animal welfare and owner economic outcomes is a powerful driver for sustainable welfare change in working animal populations.