Help donkeys heal and find homes
“It was later found that the skins were being used to create a traditional Chinese medicine called ‘ejiao’.”
Liana Marx from Johannesburg SPCA said after almost a year and a half of what appeared to be inactivity in the Donkey Skin Trade, the NSPCA was alerted to trucks transporting around 100 donkeys near the region of Mooi River on Monday evening.
“The NSPCA knew it would have to intervene urgently to protect the animals from a horrendous fate, and contacted the Mooi River SPCA and local SAPS who assisted in stopping the trucks until the NSPCA arrived on Tuesday morning,” she said.
It was found that the donkeys, which included young foals, were destined for slaughter for their skins which would later be used in the Donkey Skin Trade. The NSPCA began investigating the Donkey Skin Trade over five years ago when large numbers of unexplained donkey skins were found across multiple farms.
“It was later found that the skins were being used to create a traditional Chinese medicine called ‘ejiao’. How the skins are obtained is gut-wrenching starting from the way the animals are handled, transported, butchered and sometimes skinned alive.
“The six men who were in transit with the donkeys were placed under arrest by the Mooi River SAPS and remain detained as the NSPCA and SAPS work toward finding the owner of the donkeys,” said Marx.
The donkeys, which were found with severe external parasite infections as well as open wounds, were placed under the care of the NSPCA.
“Arrangements were made for 36 mother and baby donkeys to be taken to Kloof and Highway SPCA and the remaining 63 donkeys to be taken to Johannesburg SPCA, where the NSPCA will tender the payment for the upkeep of the animals until they can be rehomed safely.”
The Johannesburg SPCA is proud to be able to assist their colleagues, but more importantly that they can provide a safe, caring environment for these animals who have endured hardship and abuse.
How can you help:
JSPCA needs donations to cover its medical bill as some of the donkeys were suffering from severe external parasite infections as well as open wounds.
They have severe ear infections and some have ears missing. They have placed the donkeys up for adoption to try and find them loving homes. Anyone who might be interested in adopting a donkey must please send an email to Liana at pr@jhbspca.co.za
“We need hay to help feed 63 donkeys. You are also able to visit them at the JSPCA and bring them some carrots, apples or bananas and feed them while interacting with them, showing them compassion and love, something most of them have never known.”
Any donations would be most appreciated as they will help cover the food and medicine bill.
FNB Southdale
Branch 254 205
Account number 62362508396
Account holder: Jhb SPCA
Reference: Donkey fund.
