New research from The Donkey Sanctuary has revealed significant concerns over the welfare of working donkeys across the UK, raising questions about whether current commercial licensing systems are doing enough to protect the animals involved.
The study found that many donkeys working in commercial settings, particularly in seaside ride operations, were suffering from a range of serious health and welfare problems despite being part of licensed businesses.
Researchers assessed 179 donkeys that were later relinquished to the care of The Donkey Sanctuary. These animals had either been voluntarily surrendered by commercial operators or removed following intervention from authorities, sometimes with support from the RSPCA.
According to the findings, almost all of the donkeys examined showed evidence of poor welfare, including lameness, back pain, low body condition, and inadequate dental and hoof care. Nearly three-quarters of the donkeys assessed had previously worked as beach donkeys.
The research also highlights how the role of donkeys in the UK has evolved in recent years. While donkey rides at seaside resorts remain common, donkeys are now increasingly used in farm parks, petting zoos, therapeutic and wellbeing settings, and film and media work. Researchers warn that these changing roles present new welfare challenges that current licensing systems may not be fully equipped to manage.
Commercial licensing in the UK covers a vast range of activities and is overseen by local authorities. However, concerns have been raised that licensing officers are often expected to assess animal welfare across many different species without access to specialist training or expertise.
Dr Tamlin Watson, Senior Researcher at The Donkey Sanctuary and lead author of the study, said the issue is not necessarily a lack of care from local authorities, but rather the complexity of the system and the limited resources available.
“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 explained.
Dr Watson also highlighted the importance of greater veterinary involvement and more specialist education around donkey welfare.
“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 Donkey Sanctuary said the strong attendance at a recent continuing professional development (CPD) event for local authority officers demonstrated there is a genuine desire within the sector to improve welfare standards and increase knowledge around the care of donkeys in commercial environments.
The study ultimately concluded that holding a licence alone does not guarantee good welfare outcomes for donkeys, even where veterinary oversight is formally required.
As the summer holiday season approaches, The Donkey Sanctuary is encouraging members of the public visiting seaside resorts, farm parks and other attractions involving donkeys to pay close attention to the welfare of the animals before supporting such activities. Concerns should be reported directly to local authorities.
Further information and the original research can be found via The Donkey Sanctuary.
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