Donkeys are thrown a lifeline as rule against slaughter is passed

Brazil has reinstated a countrywide ban on the slaughter of donkeys for export to China in a move welcomed by equine charities across the globe

New hope has arisen for the donkey population of Brazil as legislation has been passed to aid the species’ survival. On 3 February 2022, the court recognised that donkeys form an integral part of Brazilian culture and are invaluable to its traditions and heritage and deserve the country’s well-eared respect. Thanks to several animal welfare charities, a ban on the slaughter of donkeys for export to China has been actioned.

Ian Cawsey, Director of Advocacy and Campaigns at The Donkey Sanctuary, said: “The court decision is the culmination of a great deal of hard work by tireless animal welfare groups in Brazil and The Donkey Sanctuary is honoured to have played its part.”

An estimated 60,000 donkeys are slaughtered every year in Brazil because of their export value in China, with the demand for skins and ejiao products riding. The Bahia state in north-eastern Brazil has been particularly hard-hit, fearing possible extinction of Brazil’s donkeys due to the fast nature of this trade. China is no longer able to meet demand with its own donkeys, so traders have been targeting donkey-dependent communities in Africa and increasingly moving further afield to Brazil and other countries in the Americas.

Patricia Tatemoto, Skins Campaign Coordinator at The Donkey Sanctuary in Brazil, said: “This new ban is a stay of execution for tens of thousands of donkeys who would otherwise be facing certain suffering and death. Thousands more will be spared ill treatment and suffering at the hands of ruthless traders who have no regard for the biosecurity, sustainability and welfare of donkeys caught up in this trade.”

The Donkey Sanctuary has been campaigning for legislation to be introduced at the level of central government to prevent federal decisions being overturned, as has happened in recent years.

Ian Cawsey added: “We will continue to campaign for these defenceless animals. In Brazil, this will include a public action campaign to show local politicians that the Brazilian public are opposed to donkey slaughter and instead want to see these animals protected.”

For more information on how you can get involved, visit thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk