Animal activists urged Kenya Thursday to ban the slaughter of donkeys for export for use in Chinese medicine, a practice which has soared in recent years and decimated African populations of the animal.
Donkey skins are exported to China to make a traditional medicine known as ejiao , which is believed to improve blood circulation, slow ageing, and boost libido and fertility.
It was once the preserve of emperors, but is now highly sought after by a burgeoning middle-class.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) told AFP an investigation inside Kenyan slaughterhouses showed animals being cruelly beaten by workers, or dead after long truck journeys from neighbouring countries.
“PETA is calling for Kenya to join many other African nations in banning the slaughter of donkeys. There is simply no need for this cruelty, (the medicine) is not even something that has been shown to be effective,” said spokeswoman Ashley Fruno.
China is increasingly looking to Africa to satisfy demand as its own donkey population has nearly halved in recent years.
Several African countries have banned the export of donkey skins and closed Chinese-owned slaughterhouses, meaning thousands of the animals are now trucked long distances into Kenya from countries such as Ethiopia and Uganda.
“There are virtually no laws against the abuse of animals on farms or in slaughterhouses in Kenya, so none of the violence captured in the footage is punishable from a legal standpoint,” PETA said in a statement.
Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Livestock Harry Kimutai told AFP he had taken note of the report and “we wish to request PETA to provide us with details for us to take action.
“We take issues of animal welfare seriously. We shall also carry out investigations to confirm the allegations and take appropriate action.”
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