Donkeys are among the most exploited working animals globally, yet their welfare needs differ significantly from horses. Understanding donkey-specific welfare requirements supports better standards for working animals worldwide.
Working donkey welfare in developing countries represents one of the most severe and extensive welfare problems globally. Animals that are integral to family livelihoods are often overloaded, underfed, and worked with ill-fitting harness causing sores and wounds. Access to veterinary care is limited, and traditional animal husbandry practices may not recognise early welfare compromise due to the donkey's exceptional stoicism. The ejiao trade has added a new threat - slaughter for skin in poorly regulated conditions causing welfare harm at scale. In developed world companion settings, donkeys face different but real welfare challenges including inappropriate diet causing obesity, and social isolation.