31/05/2026
⚠️ WARNING: Disturbing content.
While we apologise to sensitive viewers, our work in the trenches exposing the atrocities committed against poor, defenceless donkeys forms the backbone of our mission as the largest donkey sanctuary on the African continent.
Our activism may not always move governments, but our voice is being heard — both locally and, more importantly, internationally. So help us, change is coming. Donkeys need stronger laws to protect them, both from abuse as beasts of burden and from the global decimation of the species currently underway due to the insatiable demand for their skins.
A prominent animal communicator has connected with the slain little donkey mare and she has named her Holly. Holly was the victim of a brutal killing at the hands of three men, while a fourth accomplice, a woman, filmed the abuse and slaughter while laughing in the background. The appalling footage was then posted on her social media, accompanied by photographs depicting Holly's dismembered body parts being offered for sale.
The animal communicator conveyed that Holly is at peace, knowing that her suffering will become a catalyst for change. And that it certainly will.
Clear facial images of all four suspects have been circulated, and a formal investigation has commenced. These individuals will not escape accountability for conduct that very clearly contravenes the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962. We are committed to ensuring that they are brought to justice.
Further footage from an unrelated incident, yet originating from the same area, was shared with us today. It depicts the skinned remains of at least ten donkeys hanging from trees.
We will once again be escalating our calls to government to align South Africa's position with the African Union's 15-year moratorium on the commercial slaughter of donkeys for their skins. South Africa has notably declined to adopt the outright ban endorsed by the African Union, instead opting for a controlled export model that permits the legal slaughter of up to 10,500 donkeys annually.
Until a complete prohibition is enacted in law, this ongoing barbarism in South Africa will continue unabated.
We should be ashamed of ourselves as human beings.
Justice for Holly.
African Union South African Government Ban Animal Trading South Africa Humane World for Animals The Donkey Sanctuary NSPCA - National Council of SPCAs Cape of Good Hope SPCA
