An unlikely hero has emerged in the battle against the illicit skin trade in Manchester’s hidden corner of Abbey Hey – The Donkey Sanctuary Manchester.
People may not realise it, but The Donkey Sanctuary in Abbey Hey is an integral part of an international animal welfare organisation – one that is committed to improving the lives of donkeys both here in Manchester and all around the world.
Although it initially began as a rescue and rehoming charity, one of the charity’s most pressing challenges today is the battle against the illicit trade in donkey skins.
With their dedicated team of caregivers and their relentless commitment to raising awareness, The Donkey Sanctuary Manchester has become a beacon of hope in combating the heinous skin trade.
The skin trade
The skin trade sees 4.8 million donkeys slaughtered all over the globe annually as their collagen is used in the production of ‘ejiao’ – an ingredient used in Chinese traditional medicine.
This practice has seen China’s domestic donkey population completely decimated, meaning that the ejiao industry relies purely on a global trade network to continue meeting demand.
Due to demand of ejiao – a billion-dollar industry – being extremely intense, skin traders will go to extreme lengths to ensure they can meet the needs of supply and demand.
Spokesperson for the sanctuary Robina Melling said: “From source to slaughter, the donkeys who get caught up in this trade suffer at every stage.
“The slaughter methods are often unregulated, inhumane and unsanitary, and large numbers of donkeys die on their way to slaughterhouses.”
While the trade is illegal in some countries, it is actually legal in many and the size and complexity of the operation mean it largely goes unregulated – with no way of tracking source of skins or donkey welfare.
In countries where the trade is illegal, donkeys are slaughtered and traded in defiance of national and local laws.
Communities that depend on their donkeys to help provide them with a livelihood wake up to find their donkeys stolen, slaughtered and skinned during the night.
The transportation of untreated skins and improper disposal of donkey carcasses risks triggering the spread of infectious diseases and is damaging local ecosystems.
The Donkey Sanctuary steps in
Recognising the urgency of the issue, The Donkey Sanctuary has taken a multifaceted approach to combat the skin trade – involving advocating for stricter regulations and penalties to deter those involved in the illicit trade.
Their work has inspired similar initiatives in other parts of the world, contributing to a global movement against the skin trade.
Whilst the battle against the skin trade is far from over, The Donkey Sanctuary Manchester has made significant strides in raising awareness and protecting these gentle creatures.
They work closely with law enforcement agencies and policymakers, sharing their expertise and insights to shape legislation that protects donkeys from abuse and ensures the prosecution of offenders.
The centre at Abbey Hey provides a safe and nurturing environment for donkeys in the UK who need to be re-homed.
The focus is on their rehabilitation and where possible finding them loving and forever homes.
“Through a careful programme of rehabilitation, delivered by our wonderful experienced and professional staff, our aim is to reach a point where every donkey knows they are cherished and valued,” said Robina.
The sanctuary’s efforts don’t stop at rehabilitation either – The Donkey Sanctuary Manchester understands the power of education in effecting lasting change.
“We actively engage with the local community, organising workshops, and outreach programs to raise awareness about the skin trade and its devastating consequences.
“Through partnerships with schools and community groups, the sanctuary educates the public about the value of donkeys and the cruelty associated with the skin trade.”
By fostering empathy and compassion towards these animals, the Donkey Sanctuary Manchester aims to create a society that rejects the exploitation of donkeys for their skins.
Furthermore, the sanctuary advocates for stricter regulations and penalties to deter those involved in the illicit trade.
They work closely with law enforcement agencies and policymakers, sharing their expertise and insights to shape legislation that protects donkeys from abuse and ensures the prosecution of offenders.
Their work has inspired similar initiatives in other parts of the world, contributing to a global movement against the skin trade.
Whilst the battle against the skin trade is far from over, the Donkey Sanctuary Manchester has made significant strides in raising awareness and protecting these gentle creatures.
Through its compassion and determination, it has become a vital force in ensuring the donkeys it looks after and those it advocates for have the chance to lead a better life.
As we continue to shine a spotlight on this dark trade, organisations like The Donkey Sanctuary give hope that a future without the skin trade is not only possible but achievable.