Togo bans donkey skin trade
Brooke has long advocated for a ban in Togo, which is a key trading point for skins from countries like Burkina Faso.
Brooke is relieved to hear Togo has officially banned the donkey skin trade, which slaughters over six million donkeys globally a year.
Togo’s Ministry of Animal Resources announced the decision on June 11 2025, helping to reduce the wipeout of donkey populations, especially in Africa.
Brooke has long advocated for a ban in Togo, which is a key trading point for skins from countries like Burkina Faso.
This move sends a strong message across the region that the mass slaughter of donkeys for ejiao must end.
Emmanuel Sarr, Brooke West Africa’s Director, said: “Togo’s decision to ban the donkey skin trade is a vital victory for animal welfare and for the millions of people who depend on donkeys for their livelihoods.
“We commend Togo’s leadership and urge all countries to follow suit to protect these essential animals, before their population dwindles.”
Brooke is calling for a global ban on the trade which produces ejiao from donkey skin, a Chinese medicine made from their skins used in cosmetics and food.
Brooke is calling for a global ban on the trade which produces ejiao from donkey skin.
Over 100 million working animals, including donkeys, provide food security to 600 million people globally.
In 2024, thanks to lobbying by Brooke, the African Union opted for a continent-wide ban of the skin trade, protecting 32 million donkeys.
Brooke and The International Coalition of Working Equids (ICWE) will attend The Pan African Donkey Conference (PADCo) in June 2025, to support the African Union’s ban and call for wider action.
Learn more about Brooke's fight against the donkey skin trade.