Companion Animals

Donkey Welfare in Skin Trade

The global donkey skin trade for the production of ejiao, a traditional Chinese medicine ingredient, is causing welfare and population crises for donkeys in Africa, South America, and Asia.

Key Facts

The ejiao industry requires around 10 million donkey hides annually
Donkey populations in several African countries have declined 50% or more
Donkeys are slaughtered in unregulated conditions causing significant welfare suffering
The global donkey population is declining rapidly with serious livelihood implications
Donkeys are critical livelihood assets for the world's poorest communities

Welfare Considerations

Donkey skin trade welfare is a crisis affecting individual animal welfare through inhumane slaughter and population welfare through unsustainable offtake. The livelihoods of millions of people dependent on donkeys are being destroyed. This is an underappreciated welfare and development emergency.

What You Can Do

Support Donkey Sanctuary campaigns against the skin trade
Advocate for ejiao demand reduction campaigns in China
Engage with the donkey skin trade as an underappreciated welfare and development emergency