donkey skin trade: a growing global problem

Skippen, Laura; Collier, Jonathan; Kithuka, James Mutiiria

doi:10.11606/issn.1678-4456.bjvras.2021.175262

Cited by 8 publications

(15 citation statements)

References 12 publications

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“…In China between 1990 and 2018 the donkey population decreased by 77 per cent from 11.1 million to 2.5 million, this correlated with strong economic development and is likely caused by mechanisation of transport and agriculture within China (Bennett & Pfuderer, 2020). The growing demand for donkey skins has also likely contributed to the decline of donkeys in China (Bennett & Pfuderer, 2020) and is now putting the global population at risk (Donkey Sanctuary, 2017; McLean & Gonzalez, 2018; Skippen et al 2021). As China has an insufficient supply of donkeys to meet the demand, donkey skins are sourced from Africa (Maigari et al 2020), South America and Australia, with Australia reportedly supplying feral donkeys to meet the demand (Bennett & Pfuderer, 2020).…”

Section: Introduction: the Demand For Ejiaomentioning

confidence: 99%

The Donkey Skin Trade: Challenges and Opportunities for Policy Change

Goodrum

Theuri²,

Mutua

et al. 2022

Global Policy

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The use of animal derivatives in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) dates back more than 5000 years. Donkey skins are one such animal derivative, the skins are used to produce ejiao, which is a luxury product and believed by some to have a variety of health benefits. The increasing demand for ejiao is putting the global donkey population at risk. In China between 1990 and 2018 the donkey population decreased by 77 per cent, as a consequence donkeys are largely being sourced from Africa to meet the demand. In low and middle‐income countries donkeys are a valuable livelihood asset. Research has emerged highlighting the potential detrimental impacts of the loss of donkeys on livelihoods. In addition to the impact on communities, the trade presents a number of signifcant health and welfare concerns to donkeys. Methods for raising awareness, reducing demand and challenging and enforcing policy are all needed to reduce the impact of the donkey skin trade. Policy change needs to be bottom up, with local bans in countries where the trade is most damaging and coordinated enforcement of legislation, including the tackling of illegal cross border trade. Partnership across non‐governmental organisations, agencies and government is essential.

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Section: Introduction: the Demand For Ejiaomentioning

confidence: 99%

The Donkey Skin Trade: Challenges and Opportunities for Policy Change

Goodrum

Theuri²,

Mutua

et al. 2022

Global Policy

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“…The growing demand for Ejiao, gelatin produced from donkey skin that is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and cosmetic products, is putting the global donkey population at risk [ 21 ]. Ejiao’s industrial insiders report that the price of a single hide has grown from 20 yuan in 2000 to approximately 3000 yuan lately in December 2017 [ 22 ].…”

Section: The Donkey Hides Fashionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Ejiao is also ascribed to anti-aging and rejuvenating effects [ 23 ]. Such high prices pique the interest of African countries in illegal trades, in which donkeys are stolen and transported miles on foot or slaughtered and skinned in the bush, which is disastrous for animal welfare [ 21 ]. The fashion industry is also generally held responsible for major social issues that cause the death of >50 million animals annually [ 12 ], which is strongly associated with the intensive use of animal fibers (e.g., skin and fur) [ 24 ].…”

Section: The Donkey Hides Fashionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Success in animal skin fashion in African countries or the boom of the wet market

2022

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The world and the way things are done have changed, from selling clothing in brick-and-mortar stores to online shopping through social media platforms. Population growth has significantly contributed to an increased clothing demand, which, in turn, has increased the demand for animal skin. Traditional markets, also known as wet markets, are considered as major zoonotic disease reservoirs due to human and animal contact. Some groups and individuals continue to believe in traditional medicine and clothing that is made from animal skin, and such beliefs are more accessible with the presence of wet markets. Hence, animal poaching and trafficking have increased to meet the high demands, primarily in the Western world. Poverty is a well-known motivation to commit a crime. Conservationists should not only look at the animal regulation site to propose a solution to animal poaching and trafficking but should also consider communal poverty. Thus, this review aimed to highlight the role of wet market and animal skin fashion on animal welfare and human health.

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“…Donkeys are often mistreated during all stages of the trade, from collection to slaughter ( 1 , 6 ). They may spend many hours confined during long journeys, and often do not have access to adequate water or food, or to any veterinary care during those journeys ( 7 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Donkey Skin Trade and Its Non-compliance With Legislative Framework

Lima¹,

Tatemoto²,

Reeves³

et al. 2022

Front. Vet. Sci.

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Donkeys (Equus asinus) are facing a global crisis. Their welfare, and even survival, is being compromised as the demand for their skins increases. This demand is driven by the need to supply raw materials to produce ejiao, a Traditional Chinese Medicine made from collagen extracted from donkey skins. Since there is no productive chain for donkey skin production outside of China, the global trade is an entirely extractive industry that has resulted in the decimation of some local donkey populations. The donkey skin trade is demonstrably unsustainable, from the ethical issues associated with poor welfare, to the biosecurity and human health risks the trade poses; and it violates both legal frameworks and moral expectations at both a national and global level.

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donkey skin trade: a growing global problem

Cited by 8 publications

References 12 publications

The Donkey Skin Trade: Challenges and Opportunities for Policy Change

The Donkey Skin Trade: Challenges and Opportunities for Policy Change

Success in animal skin fashion in African countries or the boom of the wet market

Donkey Skin Trade and Its Non-compliance With Legislative Framework

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