Group of donkeys - Credit The Donkey Sanctuary
Donkey Work: Research Reveals The UK Is Failing Its Working Donkeys
2 weeks ago 
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New research from international animal welfare charity, The Donkey Sanctuary, reveals that commercial licensing is failing to protect the welfare of working donkeys across the UK.
The research, to be published in 30 May edition of Veterinary Record (available online) also highlights a significant shift in the roles donkeys now perform. While traditionally associated with seaside rides, donkeys are increasingly used in a wide range of commercial settings - from supporting human wellbeing, appearing in films and other media, and as attractions in farm parks or petting zoos. These evolving labour roles bring new and often overlooked welfare challenges, raising concerns about how effectively current regulatory systems safeguard the donkeys.
The research assessed the welfare of donkeys who had been relinquished into The Donkey Sanctuary’s care from licensed commercial operators and those whose premises had been attended by donkey welfare advisers. The sample included donkeys given up either voluntarily or following intervention by authorities, sometimes with support from organisations such as the Royal Society for the Protection of Animals (RSPCA).
Of the 179* donkeys assessed, almost all were suffering from poor health, including back pain, lameness and welfare issues relating to low weight as well as inadequate dental or hoof care. Notably, almost three-quarters of these animals had been working as beach donkeys.
Licensing in the UK spans a broad spectrum of commercial activities, from street trading and hospitality to gambling venues and animal-related enterprises. Responsibility for issuing licences lies with local authorities, which means there is a requirement for licensing officers to have a good understanding of the welfare needs of donkeys, or rely on veterinarians for welfare assessments and decision-making.
Dr Tamlin Watson, Senior Researcher at The Donkey Sanctuary and lead author of the study, emphasised that the challenges facing the system are not necessarily due to negligence, but rather to limited resources and expertise.
“Licensing authorities are expected to oversee an incredibly diverse range of premises from gambling venues to theme parks and zoos, often without the specialist knowledge or resources required to properly assess animal welfare in a diverse number of species.
"We were recently involved in a continuing professional development (CPD) online event for farm parks at which 79 per cent of attendees were local authority officers. The success of that event suggests there is an appetite for specialist training and a genuine desire to ensure the welfare of animals under licence. Further events are planned for 2027,” she said.
She also highlighted the lack of consistent veterinary involvement in the licensing process: “Greater access to veterinary expertise is essential to ensure welfare assessments are robust and evidence based. However, our research suggests that vets too sometimes need a better understanding of donkey welfare needs.”
The study concludes that licensing alone does not guarantee positive welfare outcomes for donkeys, even in cases where veterinary oversight is a formal requirement. It also points to the need for a more informed and coordinated approach to safeguarding their welfare in an evolving commercial landscape.
As the holiday season approaches, The Donkey Sanctuary is urging people visiting farm parks or seaside resorts where donkey rides are offered to consider the welfare of the animals involved before paying for services. Information about what to look for is on The Donkey sanctuary website: Donkeys in tourism | The Donkey Sanctuary. Any concerns should be reported to the local authority.
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