SA needs donkey safe havens
Over the past months the NSPCA has issued several reports on the illegal donkey skin trade and the cruelty involved in the horrific slaughter methods.
Donkeys are being stolen from rural families who rely on their working animals to transport water and firewood. According to the group, South African donkeys are in crisis and their owners suffer.
Other African countries, including Botswana, Burkina Faso, Niger, Senegal, Mali, Ethiopia and Gambia, have taken progressive steps to address the growing problem on the continent. However, the South African government appears to leave humane intervention to welfare organisations.
After being alerted by concerned members of the police, NSPCA inspectors intercepted trucks transporting donkeys. It was determined that these animals were destined for inhumane illegal slaughter for their skins. After interacting with those concerned it was agreed that the donkeys be transported to be humanely slaughtered at a registered abattoir.
This obviated the possible illegal and cruel deaths by untrained people at an unknown venue, which would have undoubtedly led to untold suffering.
The NSPCA is concerned that the trade in donkey skins is escalating and more and more animals are falling victim to this crime. Unfortunately, there are a limited number of safe havens for rescued donkeys. Some of the rescued donkeys are currently in the care of the SPCA and are up for adoption to approved homes.
Earlier this year, donkeys were rescued in the Sani area. They were initially cared for at the Sani SPCA but since their operation is not far from the Lesotho border post, it was feared that the donkeys might be stolen.
People are encouraged to report suspected traders by submitting information to farm@nspca.co.za.