# Are donkey rides cruel?

> Donkey rides can be cruel when donkeys carry excessive weight, work in heat, lack rest, have poor hoof care or are handled harshly. Donkeys are strong but not machines; welfare checks matter before any ride. This page extends the ethical travel cluster into working-equine welfare, a strong match for WARN appeals.

**Category:** Rescue & Welfare  ·  **Updated:** 2026-07-07

## Key takeaways
- Weight, heat, hooves and rest are key welfare issues.
- Donkeys can hide pain.
- Tourist demand can reward poor care.
- Choose welfare support over questionable rides.

## Answer
Donkeys hide pain and can keep working while suffering from poor feet, wounds, dehydration or exhaustion.

Tourist rides may prioritise turnover over rest, shade and veterinary care.

If welfare is unclear, do not ride. Support organisations improving working-donkey care instead.

## Why this question matters
Donkeys support livelihoods in many places, but tourist riding can create avoidable suffering.

## The welfare-first answer
A donkey should have good body condition, clean skin, healthy hooves, shade, water and rest. Soreness or wounds are clear warning signs.

## What to do next
Do not ride if the donkey looks tired, lame, thin, wounded or overloaded. Choose donations or education programmes instead.

## FAQ
### Can children ride donkeys ethically?
Only where the donkey is healthy, appropriately loaded, rested and well supervised.

### Why do donkeys keep walking if hurt?
Donkeys may be stoic and show pain subtly, so visible suffering can mean the problem is serious.

### What is a better way to help?
Support veterinary, hoof-care and owner-education programmes for working donkeys.

## Sources
- [GOV.UK - Animal Welfare Act guidance](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/animal-welfare)

Human-readable page: https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/answers/are-donkey-rides-cruel