Donkeys are essential working animals for hundreds of millions of people in developing countries. A growing global skin trade for traditional Chinese medicine is now threatening both donkeys and the communities that depend on them.
The donkey skin trade represents a converging welfare crisis for animals and the communities that depend on them. Donkeys are often the only means of transport and income generation for poor rural families. Their theft and slaughter not only causes animal welfare harm but destroys human livelihoods. The welfare of donkeys during slaughter for the skin trade is often poor, with inadequate pre-slaughter stunning and long transport journeys. The Donkey Sanctuary has documented significant welfare violations across the supply chain. Advocacy against ejiao products addresses both animal welfare and community livelihood protection simultaneously.