Wanton killing of donkeys a concern

Government has expressed concern over the high number of donkeys slaughtered each year. Assistant Minister of Agricultural Development and Food Security Kgotla Autlwetse says with the population of 227 000 donkeys in the country, government expects that at least 10 percent of that should be slaughtered annually.

Autlwetse stated yesterday (Tuesday) that the escalating demand for donkey products has resulted in the indefinite suspension of export licences for donkeys and their products. The Minister said there has been indiscriminate killing of donkeys that led to the suspension. “In developing countries including Botswana, working animals such as donkeys play an important role in numerous sectors, especially agriculture and the transport of goods and people.

The global demand for products of donkeys has escalated rapidly, with a particular interest for lucrative export in Asia especially China. Autlwetse revealed that the hides in China are boiled to extract a gel for medicinal purposes. He stated that currently there are two licensed slaughter facilities to export donkey hides in Gantsi and Lobatse, and two others licensed to slaughter donkeys for meat in Lentsweletau and Francistown. Licensed donkey collectors are in Mochudi.