Donkey abattoir on international agenda

ELLANIE SMIT

A delegation from the Donkey Sanctuary UK and the National Council of SPCAs will visit Namibia next week and meet with role players to discuss concerns regarding possible exports of donkey products from Namibia.

The delegation will include animal rights activist Alex Mayers from the Donkey Sanctuary UK and Morgane James from the NSPCA South Africa, who is the Donkey Protection Project Leader.

Their visit follows a controversial plan by a Chinese company to construct and operate a mixed donkey and cattle abattoir at Outjo. Fu Hai Trading Enterprise's plan to open an abattoir has been met with a long list of concerns and objections by residents.

The CEO of the Windhoek SPCA, Monique Redecker, confirmed their visit to Namibia from 12 to 15 September.

According to Redecker, the Windhoek SPCA has been extensively involved in the Outjo donkey abattoir saga and has also been gathering crucial information regarding the proposed abattoir.

“We are proud to confirm that we are closely working with Alex Mayers from the Donkey Sanctuary UK and with Morgane James from the NSPCA South Africa. Both parties will visit Namibia from 12 to 15 September, and, with the collaboration of the SPCA Namibia, see all key role players and decision makers regarding this matter,” said Redecker.

The Donkey Sanctuary is an international organisation that is devoted to the welfare of donkeys and at the beginning of this year already expressed concern over the fact that Namibia was considering opening a donkey abattoir. The organisation was also concerned that many donkeys may already illegally be slaughtered in the country for export to China.

The international organisation earlier released the findings of an investigation which revealed that the trade has led to an explosion in the number of donkeys in Africa, Asia and South America being sourced, stolen and slaughtered for their hides which are then destined for China. In particular, illegal thefts have left entire donkey-dependent communities devastated and facing an increased risk of poverty.

Meanwhile, Quivertree Consulting was hired by Fu Hair Trading Enterprise to conduct an environmental impact assessment (EIA).

The SPCA has handed in two submissions to the consulting firm.

It required, as per international standards and the Animal Protection Act, that the abattoir must not accept any animals to be slaughtered without proof that the animals were bought legally from any supplier or seller.

It also said that the company should not allow any seller to transport animals inhumanely and it must ensure that animals are transported as per specific individual humane requirements.

Another requirement was that the company must ensure that all animals are kept in holding areas in a humane, stress-free manner and that it must ensure that all animals are slaughtered in a humane and stress-free manner as per international standards.

“Qualified veterinarians/inspectors must be permanently employed to ensure all of the above,” it said.

The SPCA also said the company must allow any representative from the organisation free entrance to any and all areas on the property to ensure all procedures are implemented and maintained at all times to ensure humane and stress-free treatment of all animals.

In a background information document drafted by Quivertree Consulting, it said the aim of the development would be to build a state of-the-art export abattoir to slaughter both donkeys and cattle for the local Namibian market, as well as for export to China.

The abattoir’s business model will include having holding pens on farms in the north, outside Outjo and possibly in other areas while it plans to slaughter a maximum of about 70 donkeys per day.