Calls are intensifying for stronger protection of donkeys in South Africa, as legal slaughter continues despite growing concerns around welfare, regulation and enforcement gaps nationwide.
Pressure is mounting on South Africa to strengthen protections for donkeys, as the legal slaughter and export of donkey skins continues under a regulated quota system.
While the African Union introduced a 15-year moratorium on the commercial slaughter of donkeys for their skins in 2024, implementation depends on individual countries adopting the measure into national law. South Africa has instead opted for a controlled export model, allowing the slaughter of up to 10,500 donkeys per year.
Animal welfare organisations argue that this approach has exposed significant gaps in protection.
Recent reports have highlighted conditions at a registered equine abattoir in the North West Province, where nearly 180 donkeys were found in poor condition during an inspection. Many of the animals were undernourished, injured and unable to stand.
According to the NSPCA, some of the donkeys had to be humanely euthanised due to the severity of their condition, while the remaining animals proceeded to slaughter under legal processes.
“The existing regulatory framework does not protect our donkeys,” said Jonno Sherwin, founder of the Karoo Donkey Sanctuary.
He noted that while South Africa regulates the trade through quotas and designated abattoirs, there is no legislation specifically addressing the donkey skin trade, leaving enforcement reliant on broader animal protection laws.
Beyond legal operations, organisations warn that restrictions have also driven parts of the trade underground. This has contributed to increased donkey theft, illegal slaughter and cross-border smuggling, particularly involving neighbouring countries.
The demand for donkey skins is largely driven by international markets, where they are used in the production of traditional medicinal products, creating strong financial incentives for both legal and illegal activity.
Animal welfare advocates are now calling for South Africa to align more closely with the African Union’s position by introducing a full domestic ban on the trade.
“Donkeys play a vital role in the livelihoods of many communities, yet they remain highly vulnerable to exploitation and harm,” Sherwin said.
A coalition of organisations is urging the public to engage policymakers and support petitions calling for stronger protections, highlighting the need for coordinated action between government, enforcement agencies and civil society.
As the debate continues, the issue underscores a broader challenge — balancing economic activity with ethical responsibility and animal welfare in a system where enforcement remains uneven.
