Durban - More than 100 donkeys saved from the illegal donkey skin trade in Mooi River this month, are being nursed back to health.
The rescue was carried out after a truck carrying the donkeys was intercepted on the R103, and 36 of the donkeys, including babies, were taken to the Kloof & Highway SPCA, while the rest were taken to the Johannesburg SPCA.
Yesterday, Kloof & Highway SPCA's Barbara Patrick confirmed their donkeys were doing well.
"Their injuries are still being treated. No donkeys have been homed yet. Once their injuries have healed and our clinic team authorises us to start adopting them to their new homes, we will do that," said Patrick.
The NSPCA (National Council for the Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) said the illegal donkey skin trade had been dormant for about 18 months before they were alerted to the load being transported in mid-March, adding that the first emergence of the donkey skin trade was in 2016.
At that time, the NSPCA launched multiple investigations which led to cases being opened, with the organisation releasing several reports on the illegal trade and the horrific slaughter methods used to remove the animals’ skins.
"Donkeys are stolen from rural families, who rely on their working animals to transport water and firewood. These donkeys are then butchered and skinned, sometimes while they are still conscious," said the NSPCA statement.
Donkey hide contains a gelatin which is claimed to have medical purposes and is in high demand from the East.
The NSPCA confirmed that six men in transit with the donkeys were arrested and remain detained.
"The donkeys, who were found with severe external parasite infestations as well as open wounds, were placed under our care," said the statement.
The NSPCA called on the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries to intervene and stop the export of donkeys, donkey skins and products from South Africa.
They have also appealed for help from the public and their supporters with the expenses incurred by the rescue and upkeep of the donkeys.
For anybody wanting to assist, go to the NSPCA website, and for donations use the reference "donkey rescue".
The Independent on Saturday