Companion Animals

Donkey Working Welfare in Developing Countries

An estimated 40 million working donkeys support livelihoods in low-income countries. Improving harness fit, workload, and veterinary access dramatically reduces suffering.

Key Facts

40-50 million donkeys, mules, and horses work in low- and middle-income countries
Working equids provide traction for 600 million people in agriculture and transport
Ill-fitting harnesses cause chronic wounds and musculoskeletal injury in working donkeys
Overloading and lack of rest causes exhaustion and accelerated physical deterioration
The Brooke and SPANA provide veterinary and education services for working equids globally

Welfare Considerations

Working donkey welfare is a development issue as much as an animal welfare issue - healthy donkeys support family food security and income. The welfare improvements achievable through harness fit, workload management, and basic veterinary care are low-cost and high-impact. Supporting organizations providing direct welfare services to working equids delivers tangible animal welfare improvement at scale.

What You Can Do

Support The Brooke or SPANA working equid welfare programs through donation
Advocate for inclusion of working animal welfare in international development funding
Learn about the role of working animals in global food security and livelihoods
Share information about working equid welfare to build awareness in high-income country audiences