'Licensing does not protect Britain's working donkeys'.

Current licensing systems in Great Britain fail to adequately safeguard the health and welfare of working donkeys.

This Veterinary Record report by Josh Loeb examines the health and welfare status of working donkeys engaged in licensed activities across Great Britain, highlighting significant concerns about whether current licensing frameworks adequately protect these animals. The article is based on original research published in Vet Record and investigates donkeys used in a variety of commercial and public-facing roles, such as beach rides and similar licensed working contexts. The findings suggest that despite the existence of formal licensing systems intended to regulate working animal welfare, donkeys continue to experience inadequate health and welfare standards. Key welfare concerns likely include issues related to body condition, lameness, dental health, hoof care, and overall fitness for work—common problems documented in working equid populations. The research underscores a disconnect between regulatory intent and practical welfare outcomes, raising questions about enforcement, inspection frequency, and the competency of assessors evaluating working donkeys. For veterinary professionals, this report is a call to action regarding the need for more robust, evidence-based welfare assessment tools, increased veterinary involvement in licensing inspections, and stronger regulatory oversight. It also highlights the broader issue of working equid welfare being underrepresented in veterinary policy discussions. Clinicians working with equids or in animal welfare roles should be aware of these systemic shortcomings and consider advocating for improved standards and more rigorous compliance monitoring within the licensing framework governing working donkeys in Great Britain.

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