Donkey parts in high demand on Asian market

THE MILD-TEMPERED donkey is the latest animal targeted for its body parts in order to satisfy an appetite for medicinal products in China.

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) is investigating the relationship between a surge in donkey-related deaths and neglect and the demand for its skin in Asia.

“Donkeys are rounded up or stolen, then transported and brutally slaughtered for their skins,” said spokeswoman Grace de Lange.

She said that in one confirmed instance, 42 slaughtered donkeys were found at a property owned by an Asian man in the North West village of Mmakau. The property owner had admitted to stealing, slaughtering and skinning the don- keys for medicine.

A businessman and resident of Mmaku for 11 years, Yongan Wong, said he knew Chinese residents in the village who traded in donkey skin.

“The villagers sold the donkeys to that man but he wants to slaughter them in a public place, which is not allowed,” said Wong.

In another recent case, 70 donkeys were found in an emaciated state in an area near Bloemfontein.

“According to workers, the donkeys had been on the property for two weeks without food or water. Some had aborted, and dead foetuses were found on the ground.

“The owner of the donkeys stated that he was only interested in the skins to export to China. The donkeys were humanely euthanised, and criminal charges in terms of the Animals Protection Act have been laid,” said De Lange.

She said they were increasingly responding to reports of abuse and neglect linked to the export of the hides, particularly in the area of Madibogo in North West.

“We are meeting the Department of Agriculture and then holding a public meeting in the town this Friday.”

Donkey-hide gelatin, known as ejiao in China, is made by boiling the donkey’s skin to create a tonic. Ejiao is mainly taken by women who suffer from anaemia, dry coughs or dizziness.

The NSPCA product also reportedly had anti-ageing properties, treated insomnia and improved blood circulation.

Around 5 000 tons of ejiao is produced annually in China, according to figures released by the Shandong Ejiao Trade Association.

But the donkey hide supply can meet only 3 000 tons of this, prompting a surge in international demand.

De Lange said the long gestation period of a donkey (about 300 days) and the fact that they gave birth to one offspring at a time would account for the low levels of reproduction. She said the owners of the targeted beasts of burden were also affected.

“The people use the donkeys for their livelihood and often it is the only means of transport. The criminals steal the best-looking donkeys, and villagers are left with the weaker animals. They are then made to work harder, which also has an effect on the animal’s health.”

De Lange said the NSPCA could not ascertain who had slaughtered the donkeys on the Mmakau farm and so could not sue the owner.

She said the issue of theft would be handled by the SAPS.

Wong said he was thinking about going into the donkey business.

“They are making about R1 200 for a skin, but you need an abattoir,” he said.

The NSPCA is appealing to the public to help with its investigation.

“We are hoping that if people come forward with information, we can link the leads we have and ascertain whether it is a nationwide syndicate,” said De Lange.

Anyone with information can email the organisation at nspca@nspca.co.za

It’s believed to be anti-ageing and improve circulation