Farm Animals

Donkey Welfare in Skin Trade and Traditional Uses

Millions of donkeys are killed globally for their skins, used in the traditional Chinese medicine product ejiao. This trade threatens donkey populations in Africa and raises severe welfare concerns.

Key Facts

An estimated 4.8 million donkeys are slaughtered annually for ejiao production
Africa's donkey population has declined sharply in countries where skin traders operate
Slaughter conditions in skin trade operations frequently cause significant suffering
Some African countries have banned donkey skin exports but enforcement is difficult

Welfare Considerations

The donkey skin trade causes welfare harm through poor slaughter conditions and threatens food security and livelihoods of communities dependent on working donkeys. Supporting charities working on this issue and avoiding ejiao products addresses both welfare and humanitarian concerns.

What You Can Do

Avoid products containing ejiao or donkey skin derivatives
Support The Donkey Sanctuary's campaigns against the donkey skin trade
Advocate for stronger import controls on donkey-derived products