Address concerns raised on donkey meat trade
SEE ALSO :Do you support calls for the closure of donkey slaughter houses?
Key among the farmers’ concerns is the increase in donkey thefts, and with it, the loss of revenue from transport business where donkeys are the principal means due to bad roads. Fear has been expressed that by 2023, donkey populations will have been depleted. From 1.8 million donkeys in 2009, it is estimated that only 900,000 remain today. The four abattoirs slaughter more than 1,000 donkeys daily. Just like elephants and rhinos, donkeys must be protected through proper legislation. Seemingly, the donkey meat and skins market is not well regulated, which disadvantages farmers.For More of This and Other Stories, Grab Your Copy of the Standard Newspaper.
Lack of stringent controls led to complaints against Goldox in 2017 after it was noted that the abattoir posed serious health risks by dumping waste in the open. Curbing donkey thefts and ensuring a balance between demand and supply is of utmost importance.SEE ALSO :Why Kenya is hot spot for smuggled donkeys
A slaughter ban should be considered if, indeed, there is a veritable risk of decimating the animals’ numbers.Do not miss out on the latest news. Join the Standard Digital Telegram channel HERE.