Companion Animals

Working Donkey Welfare in Developing Countries

Around 40 million donkeys provide essential transport and labour in low-income countries, often under severe welfare stress.

Key Facts

Donkeys are the primary means of transport and work in many parts of Africa, Asia, and Latin America
Common welfare problems include wounds from ill-fitting harnesses, overloading, and lack of veterinary care
Many working donkeys suffer from chronic lameness, skin wounds, and exhaustion
Improving donkey welfare directly improves the livelihoods of the families who depend on them
The Donkey Sanctuary and other NGOs provide free veterinary care and owner training

Welfare Considerations

Working donkeys are essential economic assets for millions of low-income families but frequently suffer from preventable welfare problems rooted in poverty and lack of knowledge. Welfare improvement programmes that combine veterinary care with owner education achieve lasting benefits for both donkeys and their families.

What You Can Do

Support organisations providing veterinary care for working donkeys globally
Raise awareness of working donkey welfare challenges
Advocate for inclusion of working animal welfare in international development programmes
Donate to NGOs such as The Donkey Sanctuary or Brooke Animal Health