Commercial licensing is failing to protect the welfare of working donkeys across the UK, new research from The Donkey Sanctuary has revealed.
The research, to be published in 30 May edition of Veterinary Record, also highlights a shift in the roles donkeys 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 media, and as attractions in farm parks or petting zoos.
These evolving roles bring new and often overlooked welfare challenges and the charity is concerned about how effectively current regulatory systems safeguard animals.
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 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. Almost three-quarters of these animals had been working as beach donkeys.
A lack of understanding
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 vets 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,” she said.
“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.”
Dr Watson 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,” she said “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 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 summer 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 and any concerns should be reported to the local authority.
Lead image by The Donkey Sanctuary
