Donkey Welfare Internationally - Current Research

The donkey is one of the most valuable working animals in the world with estimates of the worldwide population being approximately 44 million (Starkey and Starkey 2004). It is apparent that with an increasing human population and burgeoning oil prices that this number is likely to increase and that donkeys and other working equids will become even more significant in the economic development of many areas of the world. The vast majority of the worldwide donkey and mule population provide essential transport and draught power in developing countries with less than 5% residing in the developed world. The donkey evolved in desert areas and it and its hybrid offspring are renowned for their stoic natures and ability to survive in tough environments on poor quality food making them the work animals of choice in many areas of the world (Starkey and Starkey 2004; Svendsen et al. 2008).

Growing numbers of donkeys are also used for leisure in developed countries and are popular as pets. Keeping donkeys in temperate environments can, however, put them at risk of disease particularly those associated with obesity or inappropriate management. Sadly many donkeys are still considered to be small horses, despite studies showing physiological, behavioural and pharmacological differences between horses and donkeys. Extensive further research is required to improve our current understanding of the donkey and the best way to treat, manage and work with this important species. [...]