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African Union calls for urgent action on donkey skin trade
Donkey skin is used in traditional Chinese medicine.
Member states urged to prioritise ban.

The African Union's commissioner for agriculture, rural development, blue economy and sustainable environment has written to member states urging them to prioritise the recent ban on slaughtering donkeys for their skin.

Donkey skin is used to make an ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine called ejiao. At least 5.9 million donkeys are slaughtered globally each year to supply demand, according to research by The Donkey Sanctuary. The moratorium on the donkey skin trade was passed by the African Union in February.

In Africa there are an estimated 33 million donkeys and many are used as working animals. Uganda, Tanzania, Botswana, Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Senegal had already banned donkey exports to China before the African Union moratorium was introduced.

In her letter, Josefa L.C. Sacko emphasised that countries need to integrate the welfare of donkeys into their national plans, as well as allocate resources and instigate polices to mitigate adverse economic and environmental aspects of the trade.

The Donkey Sanctuary and its partners in the International Coalition for Working Equids have welcomed the letter.

Otieno Mtula, regional advocacy and campaigns manager (Africa) for The Donkey Sanctuary, said: “The urgency of this request from the African Union demonstrates its commitment to protecting one of Africa’s most precious resources, and represents an important milestone in our campaign to end the skin trade.

“This is not just about a moratorium on the slaughter of donkeys, but a move toward a future where their contribution is valued and their welfare is sacrosanct.

“As demand for their skins continues to threaten Africa’s donkeys, food security and livelihoods, this is a call to arms to member states to prioritise and allocate resources so collectively they can bring an end this cruel and unsustainable trade and protect these hardworking, sentient animals.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
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UK's BSE risk status downgraded

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Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.