Working donkeys are essential to livelihoods in many low-income countries, but often suffer from serious welfare problems due to poverty and lack of knowledge.
Working donkey welfare is a complex intersection of animal welfare, poverty and human development. Owners frequently care about their animals but lack knowledge, resources and veterinary access to provide adequate care. Welfare improvement approaches must be integrated with livelihood support and culturally sensitive. The Brooke and SPANA models demonstrate effective community-based approaches.