Coalition For Working Equids welcomes statement on need to protect equine welfare in donkey trade
On World Donkey Day, the International Coalition for Working Equids (ICWE) welcomed the World Organisation for Animal Health’s (OIE) 3 May statement.
Posted on 08/05/2019
Share
On World Donkey Day, the International Coalition for Working Equids (ICWE) welcomed the World Organisation for Animal Health’s (OIE) 3 May statement calling for better implementation of OIE standards to help protect the welfare of donkeys – and the people who rely on them – which are currently at risk due to the global trade in donkey skins, especially in Africa.
The coalition (comprised of Brooke, The Donkey Sanctuary, SPANA and World Horse Welfare) has been working in partnership with the OIE on implementing the organisation’s standards on the welfare of working equids and working in communities in Africa where infectious disease has plagued the equine population, with reportedly thousands of donkey fatalities over the past three months. These deaths have further depleted populations already decimated by the indiscriminate, and often illegal, slaughter of donkeys for their skins, which when boiled produce a gelatine called Ejiao, an increasingly popular Chinese remedy.
“Considering the impact and consequences of the increased global demand and trade of donkeys and their products, the OIE encourages its members to implement international standards, not only to protect donkey health and welfare, but also to safeguard the livelihoods that depend on them.”
OIE statement
“World Donkey Day exists for a reason: these animals are intrinsic to the livelihoods of many millions of people. So we welcome the OIE’s statement highlighting the need for OIE standards on welfare, biosecurity, transport and slaughter to be implemented to help protect the donkey population in Africa.
“Thousands of households rely on these donkeys for transport, traction and income generation. We do not yet know the full extent of the impact of the donkey hide trade in Africa and of the loss of so many animals from disease, but ICWE members are ready to support communities and governments with technical advice to help implement the OIE standards. We echo the OIE’s concern about reports of illegal transport and slaughter of these donkeys for a trade which needs to be more humane and sustainable.”
Roly Owers, ICWE Chair
Share
Topics
Related News
British Equestrians for Ukraine: week one update
Organisers behind fund to help Ukrainian horses and their owners report an extraordinary response within the first week.
The cost of a coffee can improve the lives of the horses – and the people – who transport it
Do you know about the close links between your cup of coffee and the working horses and their owners in Colombia?
Recommended Blog Posts
Buena’s story – how our foals are cared for from birth to rehoming
Senior Groom Steph introduces lovely filly Buena and explains how the team care for foals from birth right through to finding them a loving home for youngster handling.
Sweet itch: what is it and how do we manage our ponies who have it?
Glenda Spooner Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre Assistant Centre Manager Sara Jerman explains more.
Ever wondered why riders and horse owners need public liability insurance?
We asked insurance brokers SEIB to tell us what public liability (or third party) insurance is and how it can protect you and your horse.
Enjoy reading stories like this?
Join over 65,000 other horse lovers and sign up for our email newsletter
Join over 65,000 other horse lovers and sign up for our email newsletter
Sign me up now
