Brooke East Africa has issued a stern warning to Kenyans to remain cautious about the meat they consume following a surge in donkey theft and illegal slaughter across the country. Dr. Raphael Kinoti, Regional Director for Brooke East Africa, raised concerns about the increasing likelihood of donkey meat infiltrating the market undetected, posing risks to public health and animal welfare.
Dr. Kinoti urged buyers, especially those purchasing large quantities of meat, to verify that it bears an official inspection stamp, ensuring safety and authenticity. Donkey owners were also advised to secure their animals to prevent theft, as unsupervised donkeys are particularly vulnerable to poachers.
Law enforcement agencies have been called upon to intensify road inspections to curb the illegal transport of donkey meat. Additionally, public health officers are urged to conduct random checks of butcheries and abattoirs to prevent unregulated donkey meat from reaching unsuspecting consumers.
“As an organization championing equine welfare, we believe these steps are essential to curb theft and ensure food safety,” said Dr. Kinoti.
Brooke East Africa’s appeal highlights the urgent need for collective action to protect donkeys and safeguard public health, underscoring the responsibility of individuals, authorities, and health officials in addressing this issue.