Emirates and Air Canada has implemented a worldwide embargo on the carriage of donkey skins on all flights.
The Donkey Sanctuary says this landmark move is significant step towards protecting animal welfare, public health and the environment.
Each year, at least 5.9 million donkeys are slaughtered for their skins to meet demand for traditional medicine. This trade, often covert and unhygienic, poses serious threats to animal and human health.
“The commitment sets a strong example of corporate leadership in championing animal welfare practices, advancing global health, and protecting biodiversity,” said charity CEO Marianne Steele.
“As leaders in the transport sector, their decisive action deserved recognition – not only for protecting donkeys and the communities around the world that rely on them, but also contributing to reduce the risk of zoonotic disease transmission associated with this cruel and unsustainable trade.”
The Donkey Sanctuary’s research has exposed links between the transportation of donkey skins, illegal wildlife trafficking and the spread of zoonotic diseases. More than 70 percent of emerging infectious diseases originate from animals, with many increasingly associated with the trade in wildlife and wildlife parts.
By banning the carriage of donkey skins on all passenger and cargo flights, the airlines are helping to disrupt the international movement of donkey skins, protecting donkey populations and the communities that rely on them for transport.
Lead image by The Donkey Sanctuary
