Millions of working donkeys in developing countries face overwork, injury, and neglect despite being essential to the livelihoods of their owners.
Working donkeys are often stoic and their suffering goes unrecognized even by owners who depend on them. Overloading, harsh treatment, inadequate food and water, and untreated injuries are endemic in many regions. Crucially, improving donkey welfare directly improves owner livelihoods since healthier donkeys work more effectively and live longer.