Target: Tereza Cristina, Minister of Agriculture, Brazil
Goal: Ban the inhumane slaughter of donkeys for the skin trade to protect these sentient beings and support vulnerable communities.
The grave situation of the donkey skin trade has reached alarming proportions, with reports stating that over 5.9 million donkeys are slaughtered each year to produce ejiao, a traditional Chinese medicine. This cruel industry inflicts suffering on these animals from capture through to brutal slaughter. The depletion of donkey populations in China has led to the targeting of other countries, particularly in the global south, which escalates the violence against these animals and the communities reliant on them. The dire consequences are evident, as donkey theft devastates family incomes, reducing them by up to 73%. This disturbing reality not only highlights the cruelty faced by donkeys but also underscores the impactful socio-economic repercussions on women and girls who are disproportionately affected by this trade.
Further alarming statistics reveal that in certain regions of Kenya, over 90% of women have experienced donkey theft, forcing children—especially girls—out of school to undertake the labor once provided by donkeys. The report “Stolen Donkeys, Stolen Futures” underlines that the skin trade serves as a barrier to achieving gender equality and poverty reduction, further entrenching vulnerable families in cycles of hardship. The survival of the donkey population is critical not only for these animals but for the livelihoods of countless families, particularly women who rely on them as co-workers and companions.
The urgent call from leaders at the recent Pan-African Donkey Conference in Côte d’Ivoire for coordinated action to protect donkeys highlights the pressing need for legislative change. It is essential to ban the slaughter of donkeys for their skins to safeguard these animals and support the communities that depend on them. The time for action is now.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Minister Cristina,
The shocking statistics regarding the donkey skin trade reveal a serious crisis that demands immediate attention and action. Millions of donkeys are slaughtered every year, suffering enormous pain and distress in the process, while vulnerable communities face devastating economic impacts. Not only does the donkey skin trade constitute an egregious violation of animal rights, but it also exacerbates gender inequality and deepens poverty in regions heavily affected by this industry.
The reality faced by many communities is heartbreaking—where a stolen donkey can drastically cut household income and lead to children being pulled out of school for labor. This vicious cycle only perpetuates the suffering of these communities. While the donkey population in Brazil has witnessed a dramatic decline, this moment presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to enact a ban on their slaughter and, thereby, protect both the donkeys and the families dependent on them.
We urge you to take the lead in banning the inhumane slaughter of donkeys for the skin trade and to advocate for the well-being of these intelligent and sentient beings. Together, protecting donkeys will also support the livelihoods of countless families and take a crucial step toward achieving broader social justice and sustainable development goals.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Pixabay
