Companion Animal Welfare

Donkey Welfare in Developing Countries

Working donkeys in developing countries often face severe welfare problems including overloading, harness injuries, and lack of veterinary care.

Key Facts

Approximately 40-50 million donkeys globally are used as working animals
Harness sores, lameness, and overwork are the most common welfare problems
Donkeys are often overlooked in veterinary training compared to horses and cattle
The Donkey Sanctuary and The Brooke provide welfare support programs in 40+ countries
Simple interventions like better harness fitting and hoof care dramatically improve welfare

Welfare Considerations

Working donkeys are invisible welfare cases for much of the global community. They are essential to the livelihoods of millions of people, making their welfare inseparable from human development goals.

What You Can Do

Support organizations like The Brooke and The Donkey Sanctuary
Advocate for inclusion of donkey welfare in international development programs
Raise awareness about working equid welfare in your community