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Tanzania shuts down major abattoirs as Africa moves to protect donkey population
What you need to know:
- The organisation has introduced training on best practices, including the use of soft harnesses, resting periods, and deworming, as well as treating hoof diseases and avoiding injuries caused by whipping.
Dodoma. A continent-wide ban on the trade in donkey meat and by-products is expected to aid the recovery of the species, which has been pushed to the brink of extinction due to high demand from Asian markets, officials said yesterday.
In response to the ban, the Tanzanian government has shut down two major donkey abattoirs that were operating in Dodoma and Shinyanga, aiming to allow the animal to reproduce freely during the 15-year moratorium agreed upon by African heads of state in 2021.
Speaking in Dodoma on Wednesday, Director of Livestock Services in the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Dr Benezeth Lutege, said the trade had posed a significant threat to the survival of donkeys, whose population was declining rapidly.
“Until 2021, Africa was estimated to have about 53 million donkeys. However, nearly 5.9 million were being slaughtered each year, putting the species at serious risk,” Dr Lutege said.
He noted that the African Union convened a summit in Dar es Salaam where leaders resolved to suspend the trade in donkeys and their derivatives for 15 years to curb the threat of extinction.
“The consensus was to halt all trade involving donkeys from 2021 onwards. After the moratorium, leaders will assess whether the population has recovered enough to allow controlled trade without endangering the species,” he added.
Dr Lutege pointed out that the trade in donkey meat and hides has boomed in several Asian countries, where the skin is used for medicinal purposes. He encouraged African stakeholders to prepare to tap into that market once trade is deemed sustainable.
Meanwhile, Dr Charles Bukula, a veterinarian with Inades Formation Tanzania, said donkeys play a vital role in the livelihoods of rural communities due to their ability to withstand harsh climates and perform labour-intensive tasks that other animals cannot.
“Donkeys are essential in villages for transporting firewood, water, agricultural produce, and even minerals in mining areas. Without them, rural productivity would suffer,” Dr Bukula said.
He added that Inades Formation Tanzania is working to educate donkey owners on proper care, including provision of adequate food and water, medical attention, and rest, particularly after strenuous work.
“Donkeys support the rural economy and are often the only means of carrying heavy goods in areas without passable roads. Where donkeys are present, children also benefit as they are freed from burdensome tasks and can attend school,” he said.
The organisation has introduced training on best practices, including the use of soft harnesses, resting periods, and deworming, as well as treating hoof diseases and avoiding injuries caused by whipping.
“Donkeys are intelligent animals that learn quickly. There’s no need for force. Mistreatment only leads to injuries and reduces their ability to work,” said Inades Formation Tanzania executive director Mbarwa Kivuyo.
He added that owners are being advised to use calm verbal commands and avoid harsh treatment, as donkeys tend to kick when frightened or provoked.
In Chemba District, the impact of the unregulated trade was already evident. District Executive Director Juma Mnyika said the number of donkeys in the area had dropped from 12,611 in 2016 to just 8,228 by 2022, with theft and illegal slaughter being the major causes.
“Donkeys were being stolen and skinned, with hides selling for up to Sh200,000. We commend the government for enforcing the ban. Without it, future generations might only have seen donkeys in history books,” Mr Mnyika said.
