Andhra Pradesh: Donkeys butchered for meat, numbers wane

KAKINADA: Donkeys are on the verge of extinction in Andhra Pradesh as the animals are being slaughtered indiscriminately and the meat is being sold openly, violating Food Standard Authority of India norms. Previously the donkeys used to be appeared in every village and there is a unique recognition for the animals. Usage of the word donkey in Telugu language by commoners has a distinct place as it signifies bonded labour.

There are many stories relating to washer men and donkeys as the donkey is used to carry loads of clothes for washing. Now things have changed drastically as sighting a donkey has become a rarity. According to animal lovers, the donkeys are being indiscriminately slaughtered and the meat is being sold openly. “Donkey meat is being sold in many places in Andhra Pradesh such as Tuni, Guntur, Tadepalli, Mangalagiri, Ongole, Chittoor and other places. Due to non-availability of donkeys, traders are bringing them from other states like Karnataka, Tamil nadu and some parts of Telangana. Due to the slaughtering of donkeys, the number of this animal is less than population of tigers,” said Animal Rescue Organisation secretary Gopal R. Surabathula.

He said that according to Food Standards of Authority of India norms, donkey meat should not be sold, as it is not listed in edible meat by the Food Security Authority of India. “Donkeys are in second place in slaughtering, after cows, bullocks and buffalos,” Mr Surabathula said and added that the government should open eyes and takes steps for protection of the animal before it extincts.

He said that he would file a Public Interest Litigation petition in the court, seeking protection of donkeys. Animal rights activists suggested that the government should take steps to increase the population by setting up special farms with animal husbandry department. According to them, the donkeys can be used in tribal areas as it will help tribal people in carrying loads belong to their livelihood matters.

Myths push donkey killing:

There are many myths that donkey milk has high medicinal value as some believe that it will cure asthma and increases male potency. Due to these rumours, many people are getting attracted to donkey meat. According to sources, donkey meat is sold at Rs 500 per kg and the skin is being exported to China and other countries. It is said that the meat is mixed with some of the drugs which will increase the male potency.

But doctors condemned that donkey meat’s medicinal value and suggested people not to believe such rumours. “There is no scientific reason or basis regarding the medicinal value of donkey meat. It has not been proved yet that the meat will increase the male potency,” said the Professor of Medicine, Dr Athili Veera Raju. The doctors suggested that the people should not believe rumours and should not spend lavishly on the meat for that purpose.