The World Veterinary Association (WVA) has raised concerns about the donkey skin trade, pointing out that nearly 6 million skins are harvested annually for the production of collagen for traditional Chinese medicine. This has led to a significant decrease in the donkey population in China, from 11 million in 1992 to just under 2 million in 2020.
The WVA warns that the slaughter of donkeys for their skins has negative impacts on local communities, including the loss of opportunities for women, children’s access to education, and agricultural sustainability. Donkeys play a vital role in many communities in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, but the increasing demand for their skins is putting pressure on their populations.
The association also highlights concerns about animal welfare in the trade, as many donkeys face inhumane treatment during sourcing, handling, transportation, and slaughter. The illegal trade in donkey skins has also led to environmental pollution and biological risks from waste disposal.
The increase in demand for donkey skin has even led to reports of donkey extinctions in West African districts. There are also worries about the spread of infectious diseases and illicit trade, as traders may hide illegal materials in shipments of dried donkey skins.
The WVA calls for better consumer awareness about the source of raw materials and the impact of the products on animal welfare and human livelihoods. They also advocate for the promotion of alternative products that do not have negative effects on animals, human development, or public health, such as herbal alternatives or collagen obtained from in vitro cultured sources.