Donkey Welfare in Working Animal Contexts

Donkeys working in agriculture and transport in low- and middle-income countries face severe welfare challenges that require targeted intervention appropriate to resource-constrained contexts.

Key Facts

An estimated 40-50 million donkeys work in agriculture and transport in developing countries
Donkeys are often undervalued and receive inadequate food, water, veterinary care, and rest
Harness sores, lameness, and malnutrition are among the most common welfare problems in working donkeys
The Donkey Sanctuary runs international welfare programmes in Africa, Asia, and Latin America
Donkey skin trafficking for ejiao (gelatin) production causes severe welfare harm and population collapse
Traditional knowledge about donkey care is often inadequate and needs supplementing with evidence-based guidance
Community-based welfare training programmes have achieved measurable improvements in working donkey welfare

Welfare Considerations

Working donkeys in low-income contexts are often invisible in animal welfare discourse, yet they carry enormous welfare burdens that are preventable with appropriate resources and knowledge. Their welfare is inseparable from the livelihoods of millions of families who depend on them. Improving working donkey welfare requires culturally sensitive, community-based approaches that address practical barriers to better care.

What You Can Do

Support The Donkey Sanctuary's international welfare programmes through donation
Oppose ejiao products made from donkey skin, which drives trafficking and welfare harm
Advocate for international animal welfare standards to include working animals in low-income contexts
Support One Welfare approaches that recognise the links between donkey welfare and human livelihoods
Share information about working donkey welfare with your networks to increase visibility of this issue