The Animal Welfare Society of Tanzania (ASPA), a non-governmental organization headquartered in Arusha, has urged the government and all stakeholders to intensify efforts to protect donkeys, amid alarming rates of illegal trade and slaughter.
The call came during a media capacity-building seminar organized by ASPA to raise awareness of the critical role donkeys play in Tanzanian communities and the threats they face.
Speaking during the event, ASPA Director Livingstone Masija emphasized the importance of recognizing the donkey as a valuable asset in rural and peri-urban livelihoods.
“Donkeys should not only be seen as beasts of burden for the poor. We must acknowledge their economic value and look into how we can improve their welfare and ensure their protection,” said Masija.
He revealed troubling statistics, stating that approximately 150 donkeys are smuggled each month across Tanzania’s Namanga border using trucks or by being herded like livestock.
“Statistics show that nearly 150 donkeys are smuggled every month through the Namanga border, either by loading them into trucks or herding them like cattle,” he said.
Masija further lauded the Tanzanian government’s previous decision to close down donkey slaughterhouses in Dodoma and Shinyanga, which had been operating under licenses permitting the slaughter of 30 donkeys per day but were reportedly slaughtering over 100 donkeys daily.
“We thank the government for shutting down these facilities that violated ethical limits. They threatened the survival of donkeys in this country,” he stated.
Despite these actions, Masija warned that illegal cross-border trade of donkeys remains rampant, and urgent interventions are required to halt the trend.
“Although the government has banned the donkey trade domestically, the smuggling of donkeys through Namanga continues. What we ask is that all of us join hands to stop this wave,” he added.
Masija also pointed out the growing demand for donkey meat and skin, largely driven by international markets, particularly the Chinese demand for ejiao—a traditional remedy made from donkey-hide gelatin.
Animal Rights Under International Scrutiny
Globally, donkey welfare has become a major topic of concern. According to a 2019 report by The Donkey Sanctuary, over 4.8 million donkeys are slaughtered annually worldwide to meet the rising demand for ejiao. The report highlights how the trade not only decimates local donkey populations but also results in inhumane transport, handling, and slaughter conditions.
Furthermore, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) emphasizes that donkeys, like all working animals, deserve protection under animal welfare standards that ensure freedom from hunger, discomfort, pain, fear, and the ability to express normal behavior.
The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) also indirectly support animal welfare, particularly under Goal 15 (Life on Land), advocating for the protection of biodiversity and natural resources.
Media’s Role in Advocacy
The ASPA seminar aimed to empower journalists with information and tools to effectively report on donkey welfare issues and amplify calls for policy enforcement and community education.
“We gathered here to examine the wellbeing of donkeys—how they are mistreated, stolen, and slaughtered—and how we can change the narrative to improve their condition,” said Masija.
He stressed the media’s vital role in raising awareness and influencing policy.
“Let’s not wait until donkeys disappear to realize their value. We must act now—together.”
Call to Action
ASPA is urging the Tanzanian government to strengthen border control mechanisms, improve enforcement of animal protection laws, and engage communities in recognizing the economic and ecological value of donkeys.
“This is not just about animal rights—it’s about preserving a national resource that supports millions of livelihoods,” Masija concluded.
As concerns mount globally about the fate of donkeys, Tanzania now stands at a crossroads—whether to lead Africa in progressive animal welfare or allow this crucial working animal to vanish in silence.
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