Chinese man arrested over illegal donkey trade

A Chinese man alleged to be involved in Botswana's illegal donkey skin trade has been arrested after being found with 500 animals suffering in dire conditions. The animals were so sick that they had to be culled. As previously reported in Legalbrief Today, Botswana last month clamped down on the booming trade in donkey skins that has been fuelled by demand from China where their skins, meat and hooves are eaten or used in traditional medicine. A report on the News24 site notes that police spokesperson Witness Bosija said the suspect was expected to appear in court soon. Botswana is the sixth African country to impose restrictions on donkey exports, following Niger, Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso and Gambia. Zimbabwe turned down an application to build a donkey slaughterhouse, while Ethiopia has closed its only functioning donkey abattoir.