Donkey welfare groups in Narok want donkey abattoirs closed

Donkey owners and welfare group-Farming Systems Kenya hold processions at Narok Town streets .The donkey rights groups thanked the government for shutting down Bright Star donkey slaughter house terming it a great move in curbing donkey thefts.PHOTO:ROBERT KIPLAGAT

Some groups have renewed calls for the government to close down all donkey abattoirs in the country.

The donkey welfare groups said this would save the dwindling population of the beasts of burden in the area. Officials of the Farming Systems Kenya (FSK) joined over 300 donkey owners in a procession in Narok Town to press for closure of the abattoirs.

The protesters also lauded the Government for closing a slaughter house in Naivasha over cruel treatment of donkeys.

FSK official Joseph Liaulo said since January, 135 donkeys had been found slaughtered and skins, ears and tails taken away.

 "This is threatening livelihoods of the families who depend on donkeys," he said.