Working donkeys in developing countries face severe welfare challenges from overwork, harness injuries, lack of veterinary care and inadequate nutrition affecting hundreds of millions of animals.
Working donkeys underpin the livelihoods of millions of the world's poorest people, making their welfare inseparable from human welfare in many contexts. Chronic overwork, poor harness fit causing painful sores, dehydration and lack of hoof care cause daily suffering that is often invisible to outside observers. Charitable organisations providing veterinary outreach, harness improvement and owner education create direct welfare improvements while supporting livelihoods. Community-based animal health worker training creates sustainable local welfare capacity where external vet services cannot reach.