Over 40 million donkeys and mules are used as working animals globally, primarily in low-income countries where access to veterinary care and welfare awareness is limited.
Working donkeys and mules experience chronic welfare challenges — painful harness wounds, excessive loads, insufficient rest, and lack of veterinary care. In low-income contexts, these animals are essential for family livelihoods, making heavy work unavoidable. Welfare improvement requires practical, affordable interventions like harness fitting, wound treatment, and load limitation that are compatible with working use.