Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Muskan Arora
An alarming trend of donkey theft is on the rise across various parts of the world, driven by the lucrative trade in donkey skins for medicinal purposes, reported BBC.
Many individuals, rely entirely on their donkeys for their livelihoods, using them to transport goods and water to customers in their communities. The loss of their donkeys due to theft is devastating, leaving them without the means to earn a living or access education.
The demand for Ejiao, a traditional Chinese medicine made from donkey skin gelatin, has surged, driving the slaughter of millions of donkeys globally each year.
Campaigners argue that the current trade in donkey skins is unsustainable and inhumane, with donkeys often subjected to long journeys, crowded pens, and inhumane slaughter practices.
Efforts are underway to address the crisis, with proposals for bans on donkey slaughter and export in various countries and regions, including Africa and Brazil.
Donkeys play a crucial role in the lives of rural communities, serving as essential companions and work animals. Their loss threatens the livelihoods and well-being of millions of people worldwide.
Animal welfare organizations and activists are calling for urgent action to protect donkeys and halt the cruel and unsustainable trade in their skins for medicinal purposes.