Donkeys in global trade: wildlife crime, welfare, biosecurity and the impact on women

The Donkey Sanctuary’s latest report on the skin trade reveals that at least 5.9 million donkeys are now slaughtered every year to meet escalating demand for ejiao, a traditional Chinese remedy, made using their skins. The figure represents The Donkey Sanctuary’s most conservative estimate and is projected to reach 6.7 million by 2027. The new figures appear in Donkeys in Global Trade, a report that clearly sets out recommendations for the industries and governments involved to take action that would help end the trade. Due to a rapid decline in China’s own donkey population, agents for the skin trade are targeting vulnerable donkeys, and communities that depend on them, in countries across Africa and around the world.