THE SKIN TRADE: POLICY BRIEF ON THE WORLDWIDE IMPACT

Growing demand for ejiao – a gelatin produced from donkey skin and used in traditional Chinese medicine and beauty products – is putting global donkey populations at risk and threatening the livelihoods of millions of people that depend on them. While Africa remains the primary source of both legally and illegally-sourced donkey skins to China, the trade is spreading across the globe. This Brief explores the global impact of the donkey skin trade. With a spotlight on – where the donkey population has depleted to critically low levels – it calls for policymakers and influencers to address this urgent issue that is destroying lives and livelihoods across the globe. REPORTS FROM RESEARCHERS, MEDIA AND NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS (NGOS) REVEAL THE SCALE AND SPREAD OF THE GLOBAL DONKEY SKIN TRADE

GHANA An abattoir opened in Walewale in 2013 and was widely blamed for fuelling donkeys thefts in the region. Although the Abattoir closed in 2017, legal loopholes allow trade to continue through bush slaughterhouses.5 INTRODUCTION NIGERIA Donkeys are working livestock and are critical to the livelihoods of millions of people throughout the Currently a hub for both legal and illegal donkey slaughter, developing world. From providing access to water to strengthening agricultural supply chains, working receiving stolen and smuggled 1 , SOUTH SUDAN, livestock make vital contributions to the realisation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). donkeys from across the region. The government is taking steps to TANZANIA AND KENYA China’s donkey population has rapidly reduced over the last decade due to increasing demand for ejiao,2 follow the example of other West Live donkeys are transported long 6 which is used in beauty products and traditional medicine. Donkeys are difficult to breed on a large-scale African countries and ban exports. distances to Kenya for slaughter AFGHANISTAN due to their low-reproductive rate, and as a result China has turned to global markets to fuel its demand for and export. Reports have been received donkey skins. Africa is the current epicentre of the donkey skin trade with insufficient regulation, inhumane of donkey skins being slaughter, donkey theft and cross-border smuggling creating a crisis across the continent. While some smuggled into Pakistan for ETHIOPIA 12 countries have responded by banning the export of donkey skins, in others where slaughter is legal, the suspected export to China. As donkey slaughter is illegal escalating rate of depletion is now unsustainable and donkey populations are in decline.3 BRAZIL (due to cultural and religious norms) donkeys are being stolen The impact of the trade is not confined to Africa. The trade in donkey skins poses a threat to various Following pressure from advocacy and smuggled across Kenya’s Government authorities set an groups, a holding facility in 9 countries in South Asia, such as Pakistan, where illegal trade is rife, and a number of abattoirs in Latin porous borders. export quota of 8,000 donkey 4 Itapetinga was temporarily America are also licensed to export donkey meat and skin. This global, unsustainable slaughter of donkeys skins for annual export in 2012, closed due to animal welfare is threatening livelihoods. which was increased to 10,000 concerns.7 Three other abattoirs KENYA by the Ministry of Trade and in Bahia state are licensed to Bilateral trade agreements Industry. Chinese demand has export donkey meat and skin.8 “In most households I visit, donkeys are a key pillar of family life. They carry between China and Kenya make also created a black market water from rivers, public pumps and wells; they transport farm produce from the it easier for Chinese-owned for donkey skins in Egypt.13 donkey trading companies to field to the home or market; and they help move heavy building material to and be registered in Kenya.10 As the from construction sites. If a human were to perform these tasks, it would take an donkey population has dwindled, PAKISTAN enormous amount of time and effort.” smuggling from surrounding Formerly a key exporter to China, BOTSWANA, BURKINA countries has become rife. imposed a ban on exports in Laura Kavata, Brooke East Africa FASO, MALI, NIGER, 2015. However, illegal trade TANZANIA continues. Government in Khyber SENEGAL AND UGANDA Pakhtunkhwa province plans All have banned donkey exports Currently has two licensed to export 80,000 live donkeys 1 United Nations. (2019) The Sustainable Development Agenda. Retrieved from https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/development-agenda/. Accessed in to China but there are no penalties slaughterhouses. There has been to China in three years as part September 2019. for offenders and illegal trade still an emergence of donkey brokers of China-Pakistan Economic 2 Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research Organisation (2019), The Status of Donkey Slaughter in Kenya and its Implications on Community Livelihoods occurs in some countries. across the country.11 Corridor (CPEC) project.14 3 Brooke. (2019) Donkeys being stolen for their skins. Retrieved from https://www.thebrooke.org/our-work/we-work-animals/donkeys-being-stolen-their-skins/. Accessed in July 2019. 4 The Donkey Sanctuary. (2019) Donkey skins trade targets Brazil. Retrieved from https://www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/news/donkey-skin-trade-targets-brazil/. Accessed August 2019. 5 Oxpeckers. (2019) The donkey slaughter capital of West Africa. Retrieved from https://oxpeckers.org/2019/05/donkey-slaughter-capital-of-west-africa/. Accessed in 10 Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Kenya. (2019) Bilateral relations between China and Kenya. Retrieved from http://ke.china- September 2019. embassy.org/eng/sbgx/t169682.htm. Accessed in September 2019. 6 The Donkey Sanctuary. (2019) Donkeys win the day against skin trade in Nigerian parliament. Retrieved from https://www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/news/donkeys-win- 11 The Guardian. (2017) The donkey skin trade is threatening livelihoods and communities. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/global-development- the-day-against-skin-trade-in-nigerian-parliament. Accessed in July 2019. professionals-network/2017/jan/29/donkey-skin-trade-threatening-communities-tanzania. Accessed in September 2019. 7 Horsetalk. (2018) From Africa to South America: Brazil joins horror of donkey skin trade. Retrieved from https://www.horsetalk.co.nz/2018/11/03/brazil-joins-horror- 12 Dawn. (2018) Duo caught with more than 800 dog, donkey skins in Karachi out on bail within 24 hours. Retrieved from https://www.dawn.com/ donkey-skin-trade/. Accessed in May 2019. news/1404422/. Accessed in September 2019. 8 The Donkey Sanctuary. (2018) Donkey in trade targets Brazil. Retrieved from https://www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/news/donkey-skin-trade-targets-brazil/. Accessed in 13 Al-monitor. (2018) Donkey exports to China threaten animal population in Egypt. Retrieved from https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2018/12/ September 2019. donkey-hide-skin-cat-dog-export-egypt-china-meat-slaughtered.html. Accessed in September 2019. 9 Borkena. (2017) Donkey slaughterhouse in Ethiopia closed down following public and anger and shock. Retrieved from https://borkena.com/2017/04/21/donkey- 14 The News Lens. (2017) Proposal to export donkey skins from Pakistan to China incites outrage. Retrieved from https://international.thenewslens.com/ slaughterhouse-ethiopia/. Accessed in September 2019. article/118744/. Accessed in September 2019. VULNERABLE GROUPS RISK OF DISEASE ANIMAL WELFARE

The impact of the global donkey skin trade is particularly felt A further impact of the global donkey skin trade is an A 2017 study conducted by Brooke revealed that by women, children and older people. increased risk of disease spread – to both animals and significant welfare violations result from the transportation humans. In early 2019, reports of a disease outbreak of donkeys for trade, with 10% of donkeys suffering Millions of women across the world depend on working in West Africa that closely resembled equine influenza bite wounds or dying in transit. Market collection donkeys to support them in crucial domestic tasks, such led the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) points are also areas of poor animal welfare with 84% as fetching clean water each day. Without donkeys, many to suggest that the outbreak may be caused by the of survey respondents reporting that there were no women have no choice but to walk long distances to fetch unregulated global movement and trading of donkeys donkey welfare provisions at holding pens. Donkeys water, which they must carry home on their backs. The for their skins.18 Illegal movement of animals to Nigeria, are sometimes left to starve as it is believed to be achievement of SDG 6 (water and sanitation for all) by 2030 where the trade remains legal, and the surrounding easier to remove the skin from a thin donkey.21 will be threatened if women lack the means to transport countries, has raised concern about the spread of diseases clean water back to their homes. across the region.19 Tens of thousands of donkeys died These welfare concerns occur within the legal trade, but across West and Central Africa, according to local media the conditions of illegal trade are often significantly worse. Often the decision to sell a family’s donkey lies with male reports. This further depletion, in a population already Humane slaughter is often not observed, especially in members of the household. Without working donkeys reduced by the trade, could have devastating effects. illegal bush slaughter. Those donkeys who remain within the burden of domestic chores and unpaid care work communities also suffer as they are shared among the significantly increases for millions of women. The additional If unregulated live trade routes open up in other regions, such community to carry the additional loads left by slaughtered time and effort required in fetching water, firewood or food as Central Asia, there is increased risk of disease spread, stock. This causes exhaustion, wounds and an increased limits women’s capacity in other areas such as attending including zoonotic diseases - which can pass between risk of injury during work. community gatherings or seeking paid employment. animals and humans - such as glanders. Glanders is reported With less influence over community-decisions, women sporadically across the region and although transmission to are further disempowered and progress towards gender humans is currently rare, it is most common in those working equality (SDG 5) will be hindered. closely with equids, and can be fatal or result in chronic infection.20 This would pose a significant risk to human health In addition, children often assist with domestic chores and as well as the equine population. The spread of diseases such IMPACTS OF THE GLOBAL the impact of a lost or stolen donkey places a bigger burden as glanders is exacerbated by poor health systems in many on young people. Many children are forced to miss school in developing countries, which mean healthcare for both animals DONKEY SKIN TRADE order to support their parents at home and the reduction in and humans may be difficult to access (especially in rural household income that results from losing a donkey means locations) or too expensive for those living in poverty to afford. Donkeys are sentient beings. Evidence shows that after many families can no longer afford to pay school fees. These donkeys are stolen or sold, they are often subjected to factors hinder progress towards SDG 4 – inclusive and Finally, the unsafe and inhumane slaughter of donkeys in mistreatment, transportation in cramped and dangerous equitable quality education for all. the bush and poor disposal of donkey carcasses – often vehicles, starvation, neglect and inhumane slaughter.15 left to rot in the open – by illegal traders poses both As well as these harmful effects on animal welfare, the Brooke commissioned research in Kenya revealed that older environmental and public health risks. growth of the global donkey skin trade ultimately impacts people are often targeted by donkey thieves as they are people. Donkeys as part of the working livestock sector, unable to provide adequate protection for their animals. The support the livelihoods of millions of people in developing research demonstrates that certain vulnerable groups within countries. They directly provide an income (through communities suffer most from losing a donkey.17 agriculture or construction) and save time and money in transporting goods from field to home to market. In Kenya, smallholder farmers lose Sh11,390 per month (equiv. $109.73) on every working donkey that is slaughtered thorough theft or sale.16 Working donkeys also provide vital domestic support. The shock of losing a donkey can destroy a person’s livelihood and push them into poverty.

15 World Organisation for Animal Health. (2018) Terrestrial Animal Health Code; Chapter 7.5 Slaughter of Animals. Retrieved from http://oie.int/index. php?id=169&L=0&htmfile=chapitre_aw_slaughter.htm. Accessed in June 2019. 16 Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research Organisation. (2019) The Status of Donkey Slaughter in Kenya and its Implications on Community Livelihoods. 17 Carder, G., Ingasia, O., Ngenoh, E., Theuri, S., Rono, D. and Langat, P. (2019) The Emerging Trade in Donkey Hide: An Opportunity or a Threat for Communities in Kenya? Agricultural Sciences,10 (9), in press. 18 OIE. (2019) Equine Influence, Nigeria. Retrieved from https://www.oie.int/wahis_2/public/wahid.php/Reviewreport/Review?page_refer=MapFullEventReport&reportid=29135. Accessed in October 2019. 19 Brooke. (2019) Disease outbreak linked to donkey skin trade. Retrieved from https://www.thebrooke.org/news/disease-outbreak-linked-donkey-skin-trade. Accessed in September 2019. 20 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2012) Glanders: Signs and Symptoms. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/glanders/symptoms/index.html. Accessed in September 2019. 21 SPANA. (2019) Please help put an end to the devastating donkey skins trade. Retrieved from https://spana.org/appeals/please-help-put-an-end-to-the-devastating- donkey-skins-trade/. Accessed in September 2019. CRISIS IN KENYA

Kenya is at the centre of Africa’s escalating trade of donkey skins to China, with four export slaughterhouses licensed from 2016–18. The country’s donkey population has declined by a third over the last nine years22 and is currently projected to be further depleted by 2022. Analysing the current situation in Kenya is crucial if policymakers are to understand the potential impacts of the trade elsewhere.

Brooke East Africa commissioned Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) research, published in June 2019, which assesses the implications of the trade on community livelihoods in Kenya. Through a large-scale survey across seven counties and consultation with donkey owners, traders and slaughterhouses, the study found that:

• Donkeys play a crucial role in households across Kenya and are ranked as the most important domestic animal.

• Around 60 donkeys a week were stolen from owners in Kenya in 2017.23

• Half of donkey users could not raise the capital to purchase replacement stock after losing their donkey.24

• The economic benefits of slaughterhouses employing local labourers do not outweigh the loss in income experienced by donkey owners who lose or sell their donkey.

• Kenya will have lost an estimated 28.3 billion shillings25 from April 2016–December 2019 through donkey skin trade. SUMMARY “My three donkeys were stolen The growth in China’s demand for donkey products has pushed 26 in July 2018. One [donkey] up the price of donkeys in Kenya by 50–100% since 2016. Although some donkey owners are attracted by the short-term The scale and rapid global spread of the donkey skin trade to fuel China’s was pregnant. My neighbours cash injection from selling their donkey, the long-term loss demands for ejiao is unsustainable. The trade is already having devastating helped to trace them and to their livelihoods is far greater. High prices mean most rural consequences for donkeys and their owners in countries such as Kenya, unfortunately we found them community members are unable to replace their donkeys. which are felt most keenly by vulnerable people in poor communities. slaughtered in a bush. As their most prized livelihood asset, many respondents depended on their donkeys for generating income from selling By jeopardising people’s abilities to secure a strong and sustainable Since then, I have been struggling water, accessing hard to reach areas and transporting those livelihood and by hindering food security, gender equality, access to to feed my family. I used to sell that are sick. water, healthcare and education, the donkey skin trade is threatening the achievement of a number of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. water to local schools and [use With the situation in Kenya at a crisis point, Brooke is calling for The spread of both legal and illegal trade within existing countries and into my earnings to] pay school a ban on the export of donkey skins and associated products new trading partners means these impacts are escalating. Stakeholders fees for my children. I am now from Kenya and a crackdown on cross-border smuggling of must work together to take urgent action – both within and across unable to continue with this”. donkeys into Kenya. countries – recognising that each country will require a bespoke response.

Mother of three children, Migwni, Kitui County, Kenya

22 Carder, G., Ingasia, O., Ngenoh, E., Theuri, S., Rono, D. and Langat, P. (2019) The Emerging Trade in Donkey Hide: An Opportunity or a Threat 25 Business Daily Africa. (2019) How farmers lose billions in donkey meat export craze. Retrieved from https://www.businessdailyafrica. for Communities in Kenya? Agricultural Sciences,10 (9), 1152-1177. com/datahub/How-farmers-lose-billions-in-donkey-meat/3815418-5215960-btxyf1/index.html. Accessed in September 2019. 23/24 Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research Organisation. (2019) The Status of Donkey Slaughter in Kenya and its Implications on 26 Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research Organisation. (2019) The Status of Donkey Slaughter in Kenya and its Implications on Community Livelihoods. Community Livelihoods. RECOMMENDATIONS

Donkey owning communities and individual owners must: NGOs and community organisations must: • Protect their donkeys against theft through using such • Empower local residents to lobby their governments legal measures as are appropriate for them. to act on this issue and support a ban on the export of donkey skins and associated products or maintain and • Ensure that the whole community understands the value reinforce an existing ban. donkeys bring in terms of long term improvement to livelihoods and community resilience. • Work together to raise awareness of the donkey skin trade, share research and best practice, and collaborate Policymakers in affected countries must: to bring the issue to the attention of global policymakers. • Introduce legislation to ban all trade in donkey skins for Researchers must: the production of ejiao and to take measures to enforce such a ban (including illegal cross border trade). • Develop evidence and understanding on the global donkey skin trade that informs policy change and • Reinforce and uphold bans and other legal sanctions on facilitates global conversations on the issue. the trade in countries where they already exist. • Expand research into South Asia, recognising that • Acknowledge the life-long value of working donkeys the livelihood impacts of the trade go beyond Africa. as a livelihood asset by explicitly including them in This includes assessing the impact of the current ban national livestock surveys and policies, taking tangible on trade in Pakistan and Afghanistan being lifted. steps to safeguard them.

• Improve the health and welfare of donkeys in slaughterhouses, transportation and holding facilities through the application of OIE standards.27

• Strengthen the resilience of local communities to donkey theft through supporting protection initiatives. These must be community driven and politically backed to encourage local buy-in and ensure measures are sustainable and practical.

Global policymakers and influencers must: • Recognise the threat posed by the donkey skin trade in rural communities that rely on working donkeys as key livelihood assets, providing draught, traction and transport as a significant development concern.

• Lobby and support counterparts in countries affected by the trade to impose legal sanctions to curtail the impact of the donkey skin trade.

27 World Organisation for Animal Health (2018). Terrestrial Animal Health Code. Chapter 7.5 Slaughter of Animals. Retrieved from http://www.oie.int/index.php?id=169&L=0&htmfile=chapitre_aw_slaughter.htm. Accessed in June 2019.

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