Donkey Welfare: Working Animals and Global Skin Trade

Donkeys face severe welfare challenges as working animals in developing countries and from the growing trade in donkey hides.

Key Facts

There are around 40 million donkeys worldwide mostly in developing countries
Donkeys are crucial working animals for millions of people in low income countries
The Chinese ejiao industry uses donkey skins for traditional medicine causing welfare crises
In some countries donkeys are worked to death with inadequate food, water, and veterinary care
The Donkey Sanctuary treats over 1,000 donkeys annually at its UK centres

Welfare Considerations

Working donkeys in developing countries often experience severe welfare problems from overloading, sores from ill-fitting equipment, dehydration, and lack of veterinary care. The ejiao skin trade has caused population crashes in Africa and South America as animals are slaughtered for their hides. Donkeys are stoic animals that mask pain making welfare assessment challenging. In the UK and Europe donkeys kept as companion animals face neglect from owners who underestimate their needs.

What You Can Do

Support the Donkey Sanctuary welfare work globally
Avoid purchasing ejiao or products containing it
Campaign for a global ban on the donkey skin trade
Donate to organisations providing veterinary care for working donkeys in developing countries
Support Brooke Animal Hospital which works to improve welfare of working equids globally