The cruel demand for donkey skins supposedly for medical purposes continues in our country. Donkey hide contains a gelatine which is claimed to be valued for medicinal purposes: – according to the China Daily newspaper, “having anti-aging properties, able to treat insomnia and improving blood circulation”. The gelatine is a key ingredient in China’s ejiao industry, which produces tablets, tonics and a sweet syrup. The skins are soaked and stewed to produce or release this substance.
The NSPCA is horrified by the manner in which donkeys were transported on a vehicle travelling from Limpopo and apparently on its way to an abattoir in Randfontein, Gauteng.
There were 41 donkeys loaded onto the truck which had slippery metal flooring and makeshift wooden pole side rails. Adult males, females and foals were all in the same compartment with most of the animals in a state of collapse; crushed, dead or dying. This vehicle was intercepted by personnel from the Polokwane SPCA.
Humane emergency euthanasia was undertaken to end the suffering of these poor animals and the 4 men responsible, all foreign nationals, were arrested and imprisoned. They were denied bail and made a further Court appearance on 06 October 2016. This has been postponed to 12 October 2016.
The NSPCA has laid several charges of animal cruelty against the accused and we will vigorously oppose bail being granted.
An urgent appeal is made: – anyone with information of any kind may contact the NSPCA via nspca@nspca.co.za. You may remain anonymous but the more information you are able to give, the more helpful it will be in tracking down and bringing to justice those involved in this despicable, horrendous and cruel trade.
Please support us financially. We ask caring people to click here for various donation options, including PayPal and debit/credit card. Alternatively payment may be made directly into the account below with the reference DONKEYS.
Account Name: SPCA NATIONAL COUNCIL OF SA
Bank: STANDARD BANK
Account No. 220 639 744
Branch Code: 051 001
UPDATE:
Sougson Manasseh, Madhihwa Mjasha, Target Murima and Amoni Chirwa, were sentenced to 8 months imprisonment without the option of a fine in the Polokwane Magistrates Court on 25 October 2016. They had admitted guilt to criminal charges for cruelty to animals laid in terms of the Animals Protection Act No 71 of 1962. All are foreign nationals who were additionally sentenced to 2 months imprisonment to run concurrently, for residing illegally in South Africa.
A strong message has been relayed that animal cruelty will not be tolerated.
The NSPCA applauds the Magistrate and the State Prosecutor who acted swiftly and have been instrumental in ensuring justice was served. Continue reading here >>
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