‘Horror donkey killing site’ uncovered in NC as demand for skins continues
It is alleged that the donkeys were bludgeoned with hammers and some were even skinned alive
The trade of donkey hides is diminishing the donkey population. Picture: Highveld Horse Care Unit.
Two people have been arrested after the National Council of SPCAs’ (NSPCA) Farm Animal Protection Unit uncovered a “horror donkey killing site” in the Northern Cape.
In a statement issued by the NSPCA on Monday, the animal welfare organisation said hundreds of donkeys were found to be illegally and brutally slaughtered on a farm in Olifantshoek.
The NSPCA said two men were charged in terms of the Animals Protection Act and the Meat Safety Act following confirmation of the “horror operation” on their farm and witness reports of donkeys allegedly being bludgeoned with hammers and being skinned alive.
Inspector Mpho Mokoena of the NSPCA’s Farm Animal Protection Unit advised that an investigation had begun after reports had been received of missing donkeys in the area. The trail led to the property.
“Our concern is for these gentle creatures that are killed in a barbaric and inhumane manner,” said Mokoena.
The men were granted bail and were released on January 18. They are set to appear in the Khatu Magistrates’ Court on February 18. This despite the NSPCA opposing bail.
The NSPCA said that the demand for donkey skins continued in South Africa.
Last year, The Citizen reported that the NSPCA said the demand for donkey hide, which contains a gelatine, was supposedly for medical purposes, such as treating anti-aging, insomnia and blood circulation.
In October last year, the Highveld Horse Care Unit’s (HHCU) managing director Bev Seabourne said HHCU had been investigating such illegal slaughters and trade in donkey hides for about a year.
“The demand for donkey hides in China per annum is extremely high,” Seabourne was quoted as saying and added that the trend was growing in popularity as the skins traded for attractive sums.
The NSPCA said it would continue to work tirelessly to trace and bring to justice any operations which abuse and cruelly treat animals.
“That fact this incident occurred in a remote part of a vast province was no hindrance for the NSPCA. Our determination is steadfast and we will take any and all steps to protect animals as well as to bring perpetrators of criminal acts against them to justice,” read the NSPCA’s statement.
– Caxton News Service
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