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Moratorium on donkey skin trade endorsed by African Union
The Donkey Sanctuary says hundreds of thousands of donkeys have been slaughtered for their skin.
The proposal has been welcomed by ICWE.

The African Union has endorsed a proposed moratorium on the donkey skin trade, which could see a suspension of the practice in February 2024.

The report, titled ‘Donkeys in Africa Now and In The Future’, was produced by the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources, and highlights the impact of the donkey skin trade on the population of donkeys in the continent.

The proposal was produced with support from the International Coalition for Working Equids (ICWE), which includes Brooke, The Donkey Sanctuary, SPANA and World Horse Welfare.

The Donkey Sanctuary says that hundreds of thousands of donkeys have been slaughtered for their skin and exported in the past decade. This is driven by the demand in China for their skin for use in traditional Chinese medicine.

The report was approved at the 5th Ordinary Session of the Specialised Technical Committee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Water and Environment, which consists of ministers and relevant senior officials from member states.

The recommendations will now be proposed to the Assembly of Heads of States and Governments, and could be adopted in February 2024.

Dr Otieno Mtula, regional campaigns and advocacy manager (Africa) for The Donkey Sanctuary, said: “The adoption of this report at the special technical committee session of the African Union last week is a critical and significant milestone on the way to protecting Africa’s donkey populations and the communities that rely on them.

“That it will be considered by the Executive Council of the African Union in February next year is testament not just to the urgency of the issue, but also the collaborative efforts of all those who have worked tirelessly to bring it to the fore.”

Dr Raphael Kinoti, regional director of Brooke East Africa, said: “This is so important for communities in Africa and their donkeys which suffer untold cruelty driven by this insatiable demand for their skins.

“We are delighted that the Committee recognised the socio-economic contribution of the donkey to livelihoods in Africa and hope every African country will respect this decision and stop this trade to preserve this critical natural heritage and the livelihoods that it supports.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.