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Moratorium on donkey skin trade endorsed by African Union
The Donkey Sanctuary says hundreds of thousands of donkeys have been slaughtered for their skin.
The proposal has been welcomed by ICWE.

The African Union has endorsed a proposed moratorium on the donkey skin trade, which could see a suspension of the practice in February 2024.

The report, titled ‘Donkeys in Africa Now and In The Future’, was produced by the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources, and highlights the impact of the donkey skin trade on the population of donkeys in the continent.

The proposal was produced with support from the International Coalition for Working Equids (ICWE), which includes Brooke, The Donkey Sanctuary, SPANA and World Horse Welfare.

The Donkey Sanctuary says that hundreds of thousands of donkeys have been slaughtered for their skin and exported in the past decade. This is driven by the demand in China for their skin for use in traditional Chinese medicine.

The report was approved at the 5th Ordinary Session of the Specialised Technical Committee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Water and Environment, which consists of ministers and relevant senior officials from member states.

The recommendations will now be proposed to the Assembly of Heads of States and Governments, and could be adopted in February 2024.

Dr Otieno Mtula, regional campaigns and advocacy manager (Africa) for The Donkey Sanctuary, said: “The adoption of this report at the special technical committee session of the African Union last week is a critical and significant milestone on the way to protecting Africa’s donkey populations and the communities that rely on them.

“That it will be considered by the Executive Council of the African Union in February next year is testament not just to the urgency of the issue, but also the collaborative efforts of all those who have worked tirelessly to bring it to the fore.”

Dr Raphael Kinoti, regional director of Brooke East Africa, said: “This is so important for communities in Africa and their donkeys which suffer untold cruelty driven by this insatiable demand for their skins.

“We are delighted that the Committee recognised the socio-economic contribution of the donkey to livelihoods in Africa and hope every African country will respect this decision and stop this trade to preserve this critical natural heritage and the livelihoods that it supports.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Free bloat webinar planned for dog owners

News Story 1
 The Kennel Club is inviting dog owners to attend a free webinar on gastric dilation-volvulus syndrome, also known as bloat.

Part of its health webinar series, the session will take place from 7pm to 8pm on 12 November. It will explore what scientific research has revealed about causes, symptoms, breed susceptibilities, diagnostic approaches, and treatment options, as well as looking at what future research could uncover.

The talk will be hosted by Mark Dunning, professor of small animal internal medicine at the University of Nottingham, and will include a 30-minute Q&A session.

Places can be booked here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
FIVP to represent independent practices at London Vet Show

The Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP) will be at stand (S05) at this year's London Vet Show.

The not-for-profit organisation will be explaining how its expertise and resources can help independent practices to thrive in a competitive industry. It will also share how it has been representing independent practices in the ongoing CMA investigation.

On Thursday, FIVP member Steve Carter will be available to discuss how veterinary surgeons and nurses can pursue practice ownership.

FIVP will also be offering independent practices three months of free membership if they sign up at the stand.

Rita Dingwall, FIVP business development manager, said: "It's a wonderful opportunity to discuss our representation in the CMA enquiry and connect with like-minded individuals who share our passion for independent practice."