Donkey Welfare in Working Animal Contexts

Hundreds of millions of donkeys worldwide provide essential labour in developing countries. Their welfare is often severely compromised, making working animal welfare a major global issue.

Key Facts

Approximately 40-50 million donkeys are working animals globally, primarily in Africa, Asia, and Latin America
Donkeys are the primary means of transport and power for many rural communities in low-income countries
Common welfare problems include overloading, wounds from ill-fitting harness, inadequate feed and water, and lack of veterinary care
The skin trade (ejiao) has added a new dimension of welfare concern, with donkey theft and slaughter increasing globally
The Brooke Hospital for Animals, SPANA, and Donkey Sanctuary are major organisations addressing working donkey welfare
Welfare improvements for working donkeys have direct economic benefits for the communities that depend on them
Training programs for owners in harness fitting, wound care, and basic hoof care produce measurable welfare improvements

Welfare Considerations

Working donkey welfare is a global priority that intersects animal welfare with human poverty and development. Families dependent on working donkeys for their livelihoods are often unable to access veterinary care or appropriate harness equipment, not through indifference but through poverty. Welfare improvement programs that work with local communities to provide accessible veterinary care, harness fitting, and hoof care skills are therefore both animal welfare and human development interventions. The ejiao trade has added a new crisis layer, with donkeys being stolen and slaughtered in unregulated conditions to supply a growing Chinese medicine market.

What You Can Do

Support The Brooke, SPANA, or the Donkey Sanctuary's working animal welfare programs
Avoid purchasing ejiao products or traditional medicines containing donkey-hide gelatin
Advocate for international development programs to include working animal welfare as a component
Follow campaigns calling on Chinese authorities to regulate the ejiao industry and address stolen donkey welfare