Stakeholders raise concern over theft and slaughter of donkeys

Kenyan and Ethiopian governments have been urged to initiate measures to control the increased theft and slaughter of donkeys.

Speaking during a consultative workshop organized by the African Network for Animal Welfare in Moyale on Tuesday, Moyale sub-county veterinary officer Hassan Nura Guyo said the crackdown on the illegal sales and slaughtering of donkeys has become a challenge.

He said the theft and slaughtering of donkeys often occurs at night adding that controlling the movement of animals across the porous border remains an obstacle.

"The government is concerned about the theft and slaughter of donkeys, a move that is depleting its population," he said

Dr Hassan said the theft of donkeys in the region significantly impacts the community's livelihoods as they are crucial for both domestic and commercial use hence contributing to the local economy.

He appealed to the stakeholders from both Kenya and Ethiopia to uphold and enforce bans and other legal sanctions including on illegal cross-border trade.

The Acting executive director and programs director of the African Network for Animal Welfare Josiah Ojwang said the high demand for donkey's skin has put its population on the edge.

"Despite the ban on the exportation of donkey skin and hides, there are several cases where trade on these commodities is still thriving," he said

He attributes the rise of the donkey trade to the porous borders and urged the government to tighten security on the border to help protect the donkey which remains a key source of income for most of the locals.

"Donkey has been fronted as an economic empowerment pillar among the locals, especially women," he said.

He called for regional integration to curb donkey products which has greatly contributed to the increase in the donkey population.

The director encouraged donkey owners and users to value donkeys as important animals that need to be taken care of considering their vital role in improving people's lives.

"I urge donkey owners to house them and not leave them to roam freely," he advised

Chairman Moyale donkeys welfare group Hussein Osman called upon the government to impose adequate regulations through the issuance of permits before allowing an individual to sell his donkeys, a move he said would help bring to an end the illegal business.

He said donkeys are highly valued animals in the region because of their numerous benefits including their source of transport.

"We urge our people to stop the illegal donkey business. We are worried when having a decrease in donkey population," said Hussein.

Osman expressed concern over the mistreatment and abuse of donkeys by the owners saying there is a need to accord them equal protection as other animals.

He said despite immense support for livelihoods, donkeys have been neglected and overworked.

Osman regretted that numerous cases involving the abuse of donkeys and theft have created a volatile environment for donkeys' care and survival.

He said they are on a massive campaign aimed at educating members of the public to understand that donkeys are domestic animals and just like others, they need proper care.

"We urge owners and members of the public to report cases of donkey mistreatment to them or any animal care authority for action to be taken," he said

Hawo Huka, a Moyale donkey welfare group official, emphasized the role of donkeys in supporting many families in paying school fees and providing livelihoods.

She pointed out that many women in the region rely on donkeys to earn a living by selling water and fetching firewood for sale.

Huka said donkeys had supported the livelihoods of many families, noting that any harm would contribute to increased poverty.