An estimated 40 million donkeys worldwide work in low and middle income countries under conditions that frequently involve inadequate nutrition, overloading, and lack of veterinary care.
Working donkey welfare sits at the intersection of animal welfare and international development. Donkeys are essential working animals for some of the world's poorest communities, and their welfare improvement must be achieved in ways that are affordable and culturally appropriate. The Donkey Sanctuary's model - training local farriers and vets, improving harness design, providing community-level education - is effective and respects both animal and human dignity. The welfare problems are systematic but addressable: adequate water, appropriate loads, correctly fitting harnesses, and basic veterinary care can dramatically improve welfare without requiring significant cost. International trade in donkeys for the ejiao (gelatin) industry creates additional welfare concerns.