Brooke East Africa Raises Alarm Over Illegal Donkey Slaughter Trade

Brooke East Africa Regional Director Raphael Kinoti has called on regulators and enforcement agencies to take tougher action against the growing illegal donkey slaughter trade, warning that criminal networks continue to exploit weak enforcement mechanisms and rising international demand for donkey skins.

Speaking on the matter, Kinoti expressed concern that despite government interventions and closure directives issued against illegal slaughterhouses, some operators are allegedly continuing with clandestine activities under the cover of darkness.

According to the Brooke East Africa Regional Director, one abattoir that had publicly been declared closed is reportedly still operating at night, raising serious questions about regulatory oversight and the effectiveness of enforcement efforts.

“The proliferation of illegal donkey slaughter is being fueled by the high demand for donkey skin,” Kinoti stated, emphasizing that the trade has continued to threaten livelihoods, animal welfare, and rural economies across Kenya and the wider region.

He noted that donkeys play a critical role in many communities, particularly among small-scale farmers, traders, and families in arid and semi-arid areas where the animals are heavily relied upon for transport, farming activities, and daily economic survival.

Kinoti warned that the continued illegal slaughter of donkeys is not merely an animal welfare issue, but also a serious socio-economic concern affecting thousands of vulnerable households that depend on the animals for income generation and mobility.

Brooke East Africa has for years remained at the forefront of campaigns aimed at protecting working animals and promoting humane treatment practices. The organization has consistently advocated for stronger policies, stricter enforcement, and greater public awareness to curb illegal slaughter and trafficking networks.

According to Kinoti, the persistence of illegal operations despite official closures suggests the existence of organized syndicates operating within the trade and exploiting loopholes in enforcement systems.

He called upon relevant authorities, including county governments, veterinary agencies, law enforcement officers, and national regulators, to intensify surveillance and crack down decisively on illegal slaughterhouses and trafficking routes.

“We need regulators to be more serious. If facilities that are supposedly shut down continue operating at night, then enforcement becomes meaningless,” he observed.

The Regional Director further warned that unchecked slaughter could lead to a drastic decline in donkey populations, creating devastating consequences for communities that rely on the animals for transport and economic activities.

Over the years, concerns have continued to grow globally regarding the increasing commercial demand for donkey skins, particularly for the production of traditional medicinal products in some international markets. Animal welfare groups argue that the rising demand has fueled illegal slaughter, theft of donkeys, and cross-border trafficking in several African countries.

Kinoti emphasized the need for regional cooperation, intelligence sharing, and stricter border monitoring to dismantle networks involved in the illicit trade.

He also called for more community sensitization programs to educate the public about the importance of protecting donkeys and reporting suspicious slaughter activities to authorities.

Stakeholders in the animal welfare sector have repeatedly argued that stronger enforcement must be accompanied by political goodwill and accountability to ensure illegal operators are not shielded by corruption or influence.

Many communities affected by donkey theft and slaughter have welcomed Brooke East Africa’s continued advocacy, describing the organization as a critical voice defending both animal welfare and vulnerable livelihoods.

Observers say Raphael Kinoti’s remarks highlight the urgent need for government agencies to move beyond symbolic enforcement actions and implement consistent, transparent, and effective measures against illegal slaughter operations.

As pressure mounts over the growing donkey skin trade, Brooke East Africa continues to stand firm in its call for justice, accountability, and protection of one of the most essential working animals supporting livelihoods across the region.