DHT Investigative Study Report _ Sharat K. Verma

THE HIDDEN HIDE (Illegal donkey hide trade brings donkey on verge of extinction in India)

Contents Page Number 1. About BI 3 2. Introduction to the Study 4 3. Desk Research on Declining Donkey Population-Livestock Census 2019 6 4. DHT Studies, Media Reports & Right to Information Act-2005 7 5. Discussions with BI team for Field Visits Planning 8 6. Field Visits for Investigation 9 a) Phase 1 1. Maharashtra 2.Andhra Pradesh 3. Rajasthan 4. Gujarat b) Phase 2 17 1. Bihar 2.Uttar Pradesh 7. Interview of Government Officials 21 8. Causes of Declining Donkey Population in India 22 9. Broad Outcome of Field Visits 23 10. Conclusion 24 1

Acronyms Acronyms Term Donkey Hide Trade DHT Brooke Hospital For Animals (India)/ Brooke India BI Brick Kiln BK Right To Information Act-2005 RTI Centre/State Animal Husbandry Department AHD Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying DAHD Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying MFAHD Agricultural Skill Council of India ASCI Income Generation Activity IGA Community-Based Organization CBO Equine Welfare Group EWG Equine Welfare Association/Federation EWA/EWF Information & Communication Technology ICT Government Veterinary Officer GVO Armed Police Force APF Integrated Check Post ICP Sashastra Seema Bal SSB Directorate General of Foreign Trade DGFT Government of India GOI 2

1. About Brooke India (BI) Brooke Hospital for Animals (India) popularly known as Brooke India (BI) is a Not-For-Profit company registered in June 2001, under Section 8 of the Companies Act. It is an Animal Welfare Organization recognised by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI). Since its inception, BI has been working to improve the lives of vulnerable working equids and the margilinalised communities that own them, in some of the country's most challenging areas. BI works closely with all the major stakeholders, including State AHDs, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (MFAHD), Ministry of Rural Development, National Academy of Veterinary Sciences (India) (NAVSI), Agricultural Skill Council of India (ASCI), Veterinary & Animal Science Universities and Colleges, Premium Educational Institutes in the Social Welfare Space, etc. BI works in the following thematic areas: Animal Community Resilience Livelihood Information & Health Development & Communication & Welfare Advocacy Technology Animal Health & Welfare: BI works with animals to relieve their immediate suffering, educate owners who own them, and undertake research with Veterinary Universities to improve equine health & welfare. BI also tries to improve service provision by training and working with Veterinarians and Local Service Providers(LSP) to enhance quality services for the working equines. Community Development: Through BI's community development approaches, the teams work on solution-oriented approaches to address the root cause of problems affecting vulnerable communities. BI prioritise making an impact on the lives of the most marginalised by addressing their unique issues. Livelihood: BI has been working closely with the marginalised communities to facilitate an alternative Income Generation Activity (IGA) through Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) like Equine Welfare Groups (EWGs)/Associations & Federations (EWA/EWF) to make them more organised, self-sufficient and resilient. Resilience & Advocacy: BI has been working with National and State Governments to advocate for policy legislation and working equines' health and welfare issues. BI also facilitates linkages with government welfare schemes for our beneficiaries. Information & Communication Technology (ICT): BI uses social media and other communication modes to reach its beneficiaries. The organisation develops simple and user- friendly audio and video media for disseminating useful equine and additional allied information for its beneficiaries. 3

2. Introduction to the Study Donkeys are one of the oldest domesticated animals in the world. In India, they are mainly engaged in the Transportation of Goods by Pack (TGP) at Brick Kilns (BK) and trade. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has reported three distinct Indian breeds of Ass/Donkeys viz. Indian Donkeys, Indian Wild, and the Kiang. Indian wild asses inhabit the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat, and Kiang is found in Sikkim and Ladakh. Among Indian donkeys, two major types of donkeys are seen, i.e., larger and smaller. The larger-sized donkeys are light grey to almost white, and the smaller-sized ones are dark grey. There is no visible evidence that the global Donkey Hide Trade (DHT) network existed in India. However, the drastic reduction in the donkey population revealed by the census of 2019 fortifies Ass breed map of India Source:http://nrce.gov.in/equine-breeds- of-india/ the argument around DHT prevalence. Animal rights activists flagged the existence of a dark underbelly that is insidiously decimating the Indian donkey population via an underground network. The statistics from the 2019 Livestock census revealed a 61% dip in the donkey population, thus raising suspicion towards the hidden DHT trade angle.1 1.AD-AHS. (2019a). 20th Livestock Census. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1588304 4

The rapid decline in the donkey population has been generally attributed to rapid mechanisation, poor donkey breeding policies of the government, and preference of mules over donkeys. There were media reports on the open sale of donkey meat in some districts of Andhra Pradesh. Although illegal, the quantity sold does not explain the massive reduction in the Indian donkey population. A few media articles also highlighted the illegal donkey trade to China. This has not come within the radar of enforcement authorities and policymakers, thus, reiterating the more profound need for investigation. The BI team tried to gather information through central and state government AHDs and through RTI. Still, the team could not get substantial, verifiable inputs on the reasons for the declining Indian donkey population. After exhaustive discussions and deliberations on the issues, BI's management decided to engage a seasoned investigative journalist to undertake a preliminary investigative study. Terms of Reference of the BI DHT Investigative Study The TOR was divided into four parts, enlisted as under: Trigger: The trigger for this Investigative Study, commissioned by BI, was, drastic fall in the donkey population across the country. From the 2012 livestock census until the latest livestock census of 2019, the donkey population has decreased by 61.23%.2 Hypothesis: \"Ejiao\" is Donkey hide gelatin or ass-hide glue (Latin: colla corii asini) obtained from the skin of the donkey (Equus asinus) by soaking and stewing. It is an ingredient used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat different types of illnesses such as bleeding, dizziness, insomnia, and dry cough. It is also a health fad, believed to prolong life, increase sex drive and maintain beauty, and has seen an explosion in demand from China's rising middle class. The uncontrolled demand for \"Ejiao\" has already decimated the donkey populations in China. The situation is alarming for developing African and Asian countries that depend on the donkeys for their livelihood. Over a decade, India has faced a drastic fall in the donkey population, which brings to light a possible existence of illegal trade of donkey hide, but its scale and modus operandi were not known. This Investigative Study is based on the hypothesis that an illegal DHT exists in India. Strategy: The strategy adopted for this study entailed field visits to the States of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat,3 which recorded an alarming decrease in donkey population between two livestock censuses (2012 to 2019, respectively). India and Nepal share a 1,770 km-long porous border. Allegedly, this border allows easy transportation of any goods from India to Nepal and vice versa. The conjecture was that from Nepal, the donkey hides were being smuggled/transported to China. The investigator conducted multiple visits to trace evidence of the illegal transportation of donkey hide. Modus Operandi: The Modus Operandi applied for conducting this Investigative Study was to visit and interview all the concerned stakeholders. The list of stakeholders is as under: - • Donkey Owners, • Animal Traders, • Animal Fair Organizers, • State and Centre Animal Husbandry Officials (AHD) Along with this, assistance from local journalists, stringers, and local activists was taken during this investigative Study. 2. AD-AHS. (2019a). 20th Livestock Census. retrieved on April 28, from https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1588304 3.Gujarat was added to the list of states on the basis of the leads received while conducting the investigation. 5

3. Desk Research on Declining Donkey Population Government Data on Donkey Population The total population of Donkeys in the country is 1.2 Lakhs in 2019, which decreased by 61.23% over the previous Census 2012 .4 Source: Livestock Census 2019, DAHD5 Comparison of Livestock Census 2012 & 2019 4. AD-AHS. (2019a). 20th Livestock Census. retrieved on April 28, from https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx? PRID=1588304 5. Department of animal husbandry & dairying. (n.d.). Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying. Retrieved April 28, 2021, from http://dahd.nic.in/about-us/divisions/statistics 6

4. DHT Studies, Media Reports & Right to Information Act-2005 DHT Studies Under The Skin 2017 & 2019: A detailed report by The Donkey Sanctuary on the emerging trade of donkey hide skin and its implications for donkey welfare and livelihoods highlights how \"Ejiao\", has now become a luxury product. The report states that four to ten million donkeys are likely to be slaughtered every year to meet the demand for \"Ejiao\". As per the report, the Ejiao industry curren tly needs 4.8 million donkey skin annually. The \"Ejiao\" industry started to procure donkey skin from countries across the world since China's donkey population has shrunk from 11 million in 1992 to 2.6 million currently in 2019. 6 The Emerging Trade-in Donkey Hide: An Opportunity or a Threat for Communities in Kenya? - A detailed report by Scientific Research Publishing concludes that donkey hides have been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicines. However, following similar trends for an increased demand for products made from wildlife derivatives, the demand for donkey hides has escalated in recent years. This study provides an initial insight into the effects of the donkey hide trade on the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Kenya.7 Media articles A media report titled \"The Chinese medicine that could wipe out half the world's donkeys\" published by Julian Ryal for South China Morning Post, a HongKong based English language newspaper, mentions that there is soaring demand for donkey hide in China for traditional medicine, Ejiao, this has left the global population of the animal \"in crisis.\" The global population of donkeys will decline by half within five years if the governments do not take any interventional steps. 8 Donkey hides are available for sale at IndiaMart and are being advertised by the sellers for sales promotion. The minimum limit for placing an order for donkey hide is 3500-4500 pieces (this range varies from seller to seller). Indiamart is also openly advertising the sale of frozen donkey meat. The minimum limit for purchasing donkey meat is 50 kg or more (INR 500 per kg).9 6. Under the Skin - Full report. (n.d.). The Donkey Sanctuary. Retrieved September 28, 2021, from https://www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/what-we-do/issues/donkey-meat-skin-and-milk/full-report 7. Carder, G., Ingasia, O., Ngenoh, E., Theuri, S., Rono, D., & Langat, P. (2019). The emerging trade in donkey hide: An opportunity or a threat for communities in kenya? Agricultural Sciences, 10(09), 1152–1177. https://doi.org/10.4236/as.2019.109087 8. 4:00pm, J. R. + F. P. (2019, November 24). The Chinese medicine that could wipe out half the world’s donkeys. South China Morning Post. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3039011/chinese-medicine-ejiao-has-left-worlds- donkey-population-crisis 9. Frozen/fresh boneless donkey meat. (n.d.). Indiamart.Com. Retrieved from https://www.indiamart.com/proddetail/frozen-fresh-boneless-donkey-meat-21192393288.html According to Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) 2011, donkey is not registered as a ‘food animal’ so its slaughter for consumption is illegal. 7

A report in Deccan Chronicle newspaper highlights a rise in donkey killings in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Many people eat donkey meat, thinking that it can cure ailments, such as asthma. 10 Other media reports have also highlighted the open sale of donkey meat in the Guntur and Vijayawada districts of Andhra Pradesh. RTI Query To find out traces of DHT in the country, BI had filed an RTI application dated December 9, 2019, with the following questions enquired to the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Government of India (GOI): • List of live donkeys exported from India in the financial years 2016-17, 2017-18, and 2018-19. • Numbers of donkey hide and skin exported in the financial years 2016-17, 2017-18, and 2018- 19. • List of countries where live donkeys and donkey skin/hide was exported in the financial year 2016-17, 2017- 18, and 2018-19. Unfortunately, there was no information available for the above queries with the DGFT, GOI. 5. Discussions with BI team for Field Visits Planning Detailed discussions were held for building strategies around conducting the DHT study between the investigator and BI's team. As part of the strategy, the most relevant geographical areas under the selected states were earmarked, such as Jejuri in Maharashtra and Indo-Nepal border touching Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Based on leads received while conducting the study, a few Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat areas were added to the list. The duration finalised for conducting this study was two months. 10. Ishaqui, S. A. (n.d.). Asthma cure fuels rise in donkey killing in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana. Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved October 1, 2021, from https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/090418/asthma-cure-fuels-rise-in-donkey-killing-in-andhra- pradesh-telangana.html 8

6. Field Visits for Investigation a) Phase 1 Map of states visited for DHT investigation in Phase 1 9

1. Maharashtra CONTEXT: A field visit to Maharashtra was chosen for the following three reasons - • The state has witnessed a 39.69 % decrease in its donkey population (from 2012 till 2019). • A section of media reported that Maharashtra had started the \"Save the Donkey\" campaign. • There are only a few donkey fairs held in India, and the Jejuri fair is most prominent. JEJURI DONKEY FAIR (27-29 January 2021) The investigation started from Jejuri near Pune in Maharashtra in January 2021. Jejuri is a famous religious place in Maharashtra's Pune district. There is a temple of Malhar God, an incarnation of Lord Shiva, on a hill in Jejuri. Every year in January (the Indian month of Paush), a three-day religious fair is held at this temple which concludes on a Full Moon day (Poornima). The festival is called Paush Poornima. A major attraction of this three-day festival is a Donkey Fair organised on open ground at the foothills. Donkeys are marked with different colours, such as pink, for identifying them as a commodity on sale at Jejuri. Several donkey traders, who had brought their animals, were interviewed by the investigator. These traders revealed that the donkey population at this fair has reduced over the past few years. A 75-year-old man, Ayub Khan, living in the vicinity of the fair venue, has witnessed this fair since his childhood, said, \"Earlier the fair used to have thousands of donkeys. However, now the number has come down drastically. Another reason for the fall in these numbers is the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This year (2021), the fair saw a turnout of about 1500 donkeys.\" Despite the fall in the donkey population, in 2021, trading worth INR 6 crore was done by the traders in a short span of three days. On map location of Pune, Maharashtra 10

DHT Connection While most traders at this fair attributed the decline in the donkey population due to their reducing utility, some traders made some startling revelations about the donkey hide trade. A few traders knew about the butchering of donkeys in China for their skin, and its usage in traditional Chinese medicine 'Ejiao.' They also mentioned the demand for their donkeys for the same purpose. However, they did not seem comfortable in divulging more details. Interview with Ram Babu Jadhav, Donkey Trader: A donkey trader, Ram Babu Jadhav, revealed that a person from China approached him a couple of years ago to buy donkeys. Jadhav revealed that the Chinese man wished to buy at least 200 donkeys every month. This Chinese man, who had approached him through a local man from Maharashtra, told Ram Babu Jadhav that he wanted only the skin of the donkeys. Recollecting his conversation with the Chinese man, Ram Babu said, \"He asked me to give only the skin of the donkeys. He was not concerned about the meat and was ready to pay any amount I would have quoted for the skin. However, I refused.\" A substantial population from Andhra Pradesh comes to this fair to buy donkeys. Some donkey traders at the fair mentioned that they refrain from selling their donkeys to Andhra buyers as they might get slaughtered for their meat. Traders have an emotional bonding with their animals. They further said that they would sell the donkeys for livelihood purposes but not to get eaten. Also, the traders could not deny the possibility of people buying donkeys through proxy buyers for their meat and skin. These vital leads necessitated going to Andhra Pradesh to see the reality of donkeys' slaughtering. Jejuri Donkey Fair in Pune, Maharashtra 11

2. Andhra Pradesh (January 31- February 1 2021) On map location of Guntur, Vijaywada in Context: The investigation in Andhra Pradesh was planned Andhra Pradesh due to the following reasons: • Rampant slaughtering of donkeys in the state for meat. • Between the 2012 and 2019 livestock census, Andhra Pradesh has shown a 53.22% fall in donkey population. One major stop for the study was Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh. In Tadepalli locality of Andhra Pradesh, several meat sellers openly sell donkey meat despite the ban by the government. During the Field visit to these areas, the investigator found that hundreds of donkeys are being butchered every week on Sundays and Thursdays in the wee hours of the day. The locals prefer to consume donkey meat for two reasons; one, it is cheaper as compared to other meats. Second, as per the media reports and local activists, it is said to increase the virility and has medicinal values. At a donkey meat seller's shop in Tadepalli, a Donkeys being butchered and sold by a local man freshly butchered donkey was hung upside in Tadepalli, Andhra Pradesh down and was explicitly sold. While taking a stroll in the area, the investigator spoke to several meat sellers. While this conversation was going on, two aides of the meat seller (two young boys) were putting the skin and the severed head of the butchered donkey in a gunny bag. They loaded this gunny bag on a two-wheeler and drove away from the meat shop. When the investigator queried about the by-products of the donkey meat like the bones and the skin, the meat sellers replied that they threw them away in a drain. However, their response was not convincing. The follow-up investigation revealed that the butchers only throw away the intestines or other waste material post selling the donkey meat. They do not throw away the donkey skin rather keep it for purposes unknown to the people as questioned by the investigator. Some other areas where the donkeys are slaughtered in Andra Pradesh include Eluru (West Godavari district), Gudiwada (Krishna district), Machilipatnam (Krishna district), Bapatla (Guntur district), Cherukupalli (Guntur district), Mangalagiri (Guntur district), Guntur (Guntur district) and Chiral (Prakasam district). Further investigation with a few activists fighting a legal battle to ban donkey meat sales in the area revealed that these meat sellers sell the donkey hides to some people for INR 500 per skin. However, the meat sellers do not know at what amount these buyers further sell the donkey skin and to whom. 12

Gopal R. Surabathula, an activist from Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh, revealed that these meat sellers buy donkeys from other states and slaughter them after bringing them to Andhra. Gopal R Surabathula is the Secretary of Animal Rescue Organisation, an NGO that works to save donkeys. This NGO has set up a small shelter for these animals. With the help of Gopal R Surabathula, the State police recently got 39 donkeys rescued from the butchers who were illegally transporting the animals to Andhra Pradesh from Rajasthan. DHT Connection: As mentioned earlier in this study, the claims of Andhra Pradesh donkey butchers that they throw away the skin and bones of the slaughtered animals were not convincing. The investigation and enquiries from activists revealed that the butchers throw away only the intestines and other waste materials of donkeys, which cannot be sold. The waste materials for them, such as intestines, etc., are generally thrown in drains and are a significant health hazard. • When the drains overflow during the monsoon season, the dirty water spreads into the fields polluting both land and water, even killing animals who drink the water. It is also a public health and environmental hazard due to discrete disposal. • The donkey meat remains cause pollution of land, air, water, and horrible smell/stench, making the lives of those living in the immediate vicinity and those living farther away miserable. • When the donkey meat remains decompose, it favours the breeding of flies, attracts rodents and vermins. The pathogens present in the litter may convey back to man’s food by flies and dust. The resultant diseases are typhoid and paratyphoid, fever, diarrhea/dysentery, cholera, hookworm, other intestinal infections, malaria, etc. Stray dogs and birds eating the discarded meat on the corners of the drain Crows pecking on the discarded donkey intestines in a drain of Andhra Pradesh 13

On map location of Jaipur in Rajasthan 3. Rajasthan (February 2 to 5, 2021) Context: Rajasthan was chosen for this investigative study for the following two reasons - • The state has witnessed a 71.31% fall in the donkey population between the 2012 and 2019 livestock census. • The state held one of the biggest donkey fairs in the country, which has lost relevance due to a fall in the donkey population. Luniyawas near Jaipur was renowned for its Donkey fair. The investigator went to Luniawas and another village Bhavgarh Bandya which was the actual venue of the fair. The fair was conducted every year during Navratri (a 9- day Hindu festival), generally celebrated in September/ October (dates are subject to the Hindu calendar). At Bhavgarhs Bandya, an 83-year-old villager Umesh Singh Rajawat told the investigator that the Luniyawas Donkey Fair used to be organised in an open ground near an old temple for the last five centuries. His forefathers were the main organisers of the fair, and following the legacy, he has also been organising the fair for the past six decades. Luniyawas near Jaipur, site for now defunct world renowned donkey fair 14

In a detailed interview, Umesh Singh revealed that until the late 1980s and early 1990s, this fair was held at a massive scale and donkey traders from various states of India and other countries like Afghanistan and Pakistan participated in the fair. The fair was once very famous among people from across the world, and several international media houses like BBC have covered this fair. There are many documentaries on this fair on the open web. Umesh Singh also mentioned that from 1992 onwards, Umesh Singh (Left), the organiser of the fair area came under the limits of Jaipur Municipal Luniyawas Equine Fair, providing Corporation (JMC), and due to administrative reasons, his insights to the investigator the fair started losing its sheen. Gradually the scale of this fair came down considerably, also the number of donkeys. He said, \"Now, the number of other animals like horses, ponies, mules, etc., are more in this fair as compared to donkeys.\" When asked about the fall in donkey population at this fair and the overall declining donkey population across the country, Umesh Singh attributed it to the reduced utility of donkeys and the use of motor vehicles for the same works for donkeys were being used earlier. Umesh Singh mentioned that he knows about the donkey meat business and donkey skin usage in traditional Chinese medicines; however, he has not come across any such information from this area. Even otherwise, very few donkeys are seen in this area due to their reduced utility. He said that the organisers are trying to restore the glory of the fair and are taking up the matter with the state government in this regard. While roaming in Jaipur city, the investigator spotted a labourer who traditionally carried construction material on his two donkeys. The investigator spoke to him, and the labourer (Mahendra) directed the investigator towards Purani Basti near Nahargarh Fort where more donkeys can be found. Purani Basti Locality in Jaipur: There is a place called Purani Basti in Jaipur near the historic Nahargarh Fort. About a couple of years ago, the locality had a substantial donkey population. The investigator visited the area and spoke to a couple of people who still use donkeys to earn their livelihood. A labourer Vimal Dhanka, who owns eight donkeys, revealed that about a couple of years ago, the area had over 200 donkeys but at the moment, only a dozen are left. Another labourer, Jagdish Prajapat confirmed this information. Vimal Dhanka revealed that about a couple of months ago (probably in November 2020), some traders had come from Gujarat and bought approx. 50 donkeys from different labourers of the area. He said that these donkeys were taken to Gujarat in trucks. DHT Connection: Vimal Dhanka made a startling revelation that when Vimal Dhanka, Donkey Owner these donkeys were taken to Gujarat, his contact in in Purani Basti, Jaipur Gujarat's Dahod city called him up and told him that \"in future do not sell your donkeys to these people as these animals are either getting butchered, and their skin is sent to China or are transported alive to China\". This was a strong lead, which led the investigator to travel towards the Dahod city in Gujarat. 15

4. GUJARAT (February 6-7, 2021) Context: The investigation was conducted in Gujarat based on the leads received in Jaipur. Also, the Gujarat state has witnessed a fall of 70.94% in the donkey population from 2012 till 2019 as per the livestock census. The investigator visited Dahod city in Gujarat. The city boasted of a good number of donkeys, which has declined over the past couple of years. Donkeys are currently used at the brick kilns (BKs). At a couple of BKs on the outskirts of the Dahod city, labourers who own donkeys revealed that some traders from far-off states keep visiting them to buy donkeys. On map location of Dahod in Gujarat DHT Connection: A donkey owner at a BK at Lilar village under Katwara village panchayat revealed that some traders from far-off states visit them regularly to buy donkeys in big numbers. He revealed that these traders even buy blind or lame donkeys, which raises the question of their usage, other than being slaughtered for skin or meat. Such ambiguity calls for further investigation. 16

b) Phase 2 Map of states visited for DHT investigation in Phase 2 17

1. Bihar (February 26-28, 2021) Context: Bihar was chosen for this investigative On map location of Raxaul Nepal Border, study for the following two reasons – Patna, and Rohtas in Bihar • Its proximity to the porous Indo-Nepal border. • Its declining donkey population (47.31% decline between 2012 to 2019 livestock census). The field visits to several villages in the Sasaram and Rohtas districts of Bihar did not indicate the existence of the donkey hide trade. The investigator visited many villages in Sasaram and Rohtas districts, which has a cluster of BKs, where donkeys are used in large numbers. These villages include Khundhunu village, Alampur village, Vilaspur village, Gotahar village, and Raipur Chore village. The investigation revealed that the communities working in BKs, previously used donkeys but now mules are preferred as they carry more load and are sturdy. At Vilaspur village, the investigator met potter Vinod Baitha who owns two donkeys. He utilises the donkeys to earn his livelihood. Vinod mentioned that sometimes people from far-off places visit them to buy donkeys. He said that those people also enquire about the presence of donkeys in neighbouring villages. This revelation by Vinod Baitha is a small indication of the large prevalence of DHT. However, in these mentioned districts of Bihar, the major decline in donkey population was due to the switch from donkeys to mules for carrying loads at BKs. Raxual Border (February 29, 2021) Context: The Indo-Nepal border at Raxaul (in Bihar) is porous, allowing easy movement of people from both countries. An Integrated Check Post (ICP) has been set up at Raxaul, and India has deployed security personnel of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). The movement of vehicles and people here is easy compared to other border areas of India. A usual sight at the Indo-Nepal border includes several goods trucks lined up to cross the border from the Indian side. These trucks are mainly laden with coal and other goods. The security personnel and authorities inspect these vehicles and give them clearance to cross over to the other side. Allegedly, a substantial number of trucks that move to the other side contain illegal goods hidden under the legal goods. Besides, the investigator’s enquiries from the locals and visits to some other areas revealed that other than this ICP, there is a vast area (mainly open fields) from where anyone or any small vehicle (especially two-wheelers) carrying goods can cross over to the other side of the border. 18

Nepal (March 2-3, 2021) Context: Nepal visit was essential to enquire about the possible movement of donkeys from India. The investigator crossed over to Nepal from Raxaul Crossing Point. In Nepal, the investigator visited several areas like Bhansar, Birganj, and Chhapkahia Pokhra. Enquiries addressed to the locals revealed that the donkeys were brought to Nepal from India. They, however, revealed that the number of donkeys had decreased drastically in Nepal too. • At Chhaprahiya Pokhra, the investigator interviewed a potter and asked for the purchase of donkeys. The potter agreed to arrange as many donkeys as the investigator wanted. He said, \"In the past, I have also arranged donkeys from India for someone probably from China.\" This potter was aware of donkey killings in China. This was a clear indication that some people in Nepal are engaged in the illegal business of getting donkeys from different areas of India to Nepal. Photo of the investigator interviewing the potter at Chhaprahiya Pokhra in Nepal 19

2. Uttar Pradesh (March 4-6, 2021) Context: Uttar Pradesh as an investigative site was chosen for two reasons: • Its proximity to the porous Nepal border. • The donkey population of the state had fallen by 71.72% between the 2012 and 2019 livestock census. On map location of Rupaidiha Nepal Border and The investigator went to Bahraich in UP. In Bahraich, some Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh locals and a local journalist revealed reports of donkey meat being sold secretly a couple of years ago. Though there was no concrete proof of donkey meat being sold in the area, the local people, especially Muslims, stopped eating mutton, fearing that the sellers could give them donkey meat. A local journalist revealed that nomadic people around this area kill the donkey and strip off its skin. There were reports that the skin was taken to Nepal. He said that these nomadic people sell donkey meat. In some cases, they poison the donkey. Once the animal is dead, they strip off its skin, take the meat and dispose off its carcass. During this visit, the investigator also met Mohd. Siddiqui, near a BK at Matera village under Matera Assembly constituency of Uttar Pradesh. Mohd. Siddique himself is an owner of a BK, and his family together own approximately eight BKs in Uttar Pradesh. As per Mohd. Siddiqui’s statement, currently, only mules are being utilised for transportation at BKs in Mutera up till Etah district, as mules can carry ten times more load than donkeys. This change noticeably occurred over the last decade. The investigator was also told that some people deliberately poisoned donkeys for their skin in Bahraich (a district in Uttar Pradesh). However, people had no information about the buyers of the donkey hide here. Rupaidiha Border (March 6-7, 2021) Context: Rupaidiha, a small town in Bahraich, was also selected for a visit by the investigator for its proximity to Nepal. The Rupaidiha is also a porous border between India and Nepal. However, the vigilance is comparatively stricter than the Raxaul border (in Bihar). An Integrated Check Post (ICP) has been set up to check the movement of people and vehicles. The locals revealed that near Rupaidiha, a vast area is open and available to crossover to the other side on small vehicles. The local journalist of the area claimed that donkey hides in limited numbers are taken to Nepal on two-wheelers or even on bicycles from some points in Rupaidiha. Further investigation revealed that the Armed Police Force (APF) of Nepal had recently caught some mules that had been illegally taken from India to Nepal. However, the smugglers who had taken these animals to Nepal managed to give the slip to the APF and ran into the Indian side of the border. Enquiries further revealed that similar activities keep happening at regular intervals. Some smugglers bring mules and donkeys at the Rupaidiha border and keep them at some open ground for some time. Whenever they get a chance, they sneak into Nepal along with these animals. Nepal (March 6-7, 2021) The investigator again crossed over to Nepal from the Rupaidiha border. However, from this site, no information about donkeys could be procured. 20

7. Interview of Government Officials Maharashtra In Maharashtra, the investigator spoke to three senior officers of the Animal Husbandry Department (AHD) of the state government and enquired about the \"Save the Donkey Campaign.\" Surprisingly, these officers were not aware of any such happenings. The investigator also spoke to the following officials regarding the same: Deputy Director (Statistics) of AHD Pune was unaware of the \"Save The Donkey Campaign.\" Under Secretary, AHD, Government of Maharashtra, lacked adequate information around the DHT issues. However, he mentioned that AHD issued a circular on May 4, 2019, about the declining donkey population in the state. Senior AHD official had insufficient information of The Donkey campaign run by the Maharashtra government. Gujarat In Dahod, Gujarat, the investigator interviewed District Government Veterinary Officer (GVO) to know about the declining population of donkeys. However, the official could not provide any relevant information. 21

8. Causes for Declining Donkey Population in India There are several causes for the declining Donkey population across India, which can be categorised as follows: • Reduced Utility • Donkey Owning Communities Opting for Employment or Businesses • Automation/Mechanisation • Theft Primarily, their reduced utility is to be blamed for their falling numbers in the country. Secondly, increasing literacy and mechanisation are also responsible for a steep fall in the donkeys' population. As the literacy rate is increasing in the country day-by-day, the next generations of the communities dependent on donkeys for livelihood have started getting good and stable jobs or are switching over to other, more profitable businesses. Besides, the automation and mechanisation at BKs and in rural areas are also contributing to the declining population of the donkeys. Other Significant Reasons: Decrease in Grazing Land: In Gujarat, the falling number of donkeys are being attributed to the decreased grazing land for the animals. According to government officials and people engaged in donkeys' welfare, the shortage of fodder and grass is also among the reasons for their declining numbers. An official from NGO Sahjeevan revealed that donkeys are gradually falling due to shrinking grazing lands in Gujarat. It was happening slowly for the last several years and was not a sudden development.11 Paradigm Shift: At many BKs (where donkeys usually are used) in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, donkeys are being replaced by mules as the latter can carry more load. According to some BK owners, mules can carry up to 10 times more load than donkeys. Hence, in these areas, it is the main reason for decreasing number of donkeys. Theft: Another startling fact that came to light from Gujarat was that some donkey owners complained about the theft of their animals. Here further investigation revealed that the local people are stealing donkeys from nomadic people and selling them for insignificant amounts (as low as INR 5000). Enquiries revealed that these local people earn easy money in lieu of stealing donkeys. After stealing donkeys, they hand them over to these illegal buyers. The latter get donkeys at a lower price compared to what they would have spent had they bought these animals from the rightful owners. Illegal Slaughtering: Besides these general global phenomena, another big reason for India's drastically falling donkey population is that donkeys are slaughtered in big numbers in many districts of Andhra Pradesh, specifically for the purpose of meat consumption. The butchers and meat sellers of Andhra Pradesh keep procuring donkeys from other states. Recently, the Dachepalli police in Guntur district rescued 39 donkeys, which were being brought to Cherukupallinear Chirala from Rajasthan in a truck. Some accused were arrested, however, the illegal smuggling and slaughtering of donkeys still continues in the state. 12 11. This NGO is working for the pastoral communities and with threatened species like Halari Donkey and Kahmi Goat. 12. Information provided to the investigator by local journalists of Guntur district in Andhra Pradesh. 22

9. Broad Findings of the Field Visits Jejuri Donkey Fair, Maharashtra: The knowledge about selling donkeys to Chinese traders and the visit of a Chinese trader demanding 200 donkeys every month are indications that donkey fairs are used as a platform by Chinese traders or their agents to source donkeys to China. Tadepalli, Andhra Pradesh: The footage captured of packing the donkey skin indicated that the skin was not getting disposed of but ready to be sold. The body language and non-convincing reply by the butcher also added fire to this suspicion. Further investigation revealed that the butchers throw away only intestines and other waste materials of donkey meat in the drains raising public health concerns. Anecdotal Evidence: In several instances, the donkey owners have mentioned traders or buyers from \"far away land\" coming and demanding 100 donkeys in one go. Further, confirmation by several donkey owners about the donkey skin trade and a Chinese connection substantiates the fact that DHT does exist in India. However, it is still unclear what the trade's modus operandi is; one informed guess after this study is that skin is sold, with evidence from Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat. An activist, Gopal R Surabathula from Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh, who is working tirelessly to save donkeys, reveals that butchers sell the donkey hide and throw only waste materials such as intestines into the local drains. Alive donkeys are traded via Indo-Nepal Border. Recently a local newspaper in Bahraich had carried a report about the Armed Police Force (APF) of Nepal that some mules are being illegally taken from India to Nepal. However, the smugglers who had taken these animals to Nepal managed to give the slip to the APF and ran into the Indian side of the border. Similar incidents keep happening here, and the investigation has revealed that donkeys are also taken to Nepal along with mules. Poisoning of Donkeys: A local reporter of a national TV channel told the investigator that there were some incidents of poisoning of donkeys by some unknown persons (probably nomadic people). After the donkey is dead, it is stripped of its skin and meat, and the carcass is disposed off. However, there is no proof of this practice. 23

10. Conclusion The study was aimed to understand the existence of DHT in India. It began with small but significant triggers such as the sudden decline in the donkey population and the claims made by the animal rights activists around DHT. The field visits and interviews conducted in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Bihar, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Nepal border, and donkey fair, deny the perception that the country is free from the fangs of illegal donkey killings. The interviews conducted collectively concludes – - The illegal export of live donkeys, their hide, and meat is taking place across borders via easily accessible routes. - The traders and breeders of donkeys claim to know about the illegal transportation and purchase of donkeys. They are sure that the donkeys are not going to be utilised for general purposes such as transportation of goods and people. - The donkey population decline is partially due to increasing mechanisation at BKs and the adoption of mules instead of donkeys for transportation purposes. Furthermore, the exclusion of Donkey Meat from GST and categorising it with other meat categories makes it easier for dealers to exploit the overall situation. This investigation study leaves some critical unanswered questions which would require further investigation: • What are the possible reasons for donkey theft in Maharashtra and where are the donkeys being taken? • Where is the skin of the slaughtered donkeys in Andhra Pradesh packed? • What is the source of donkey hide that is being marketed on the India Mart portal? • Who are the potential buyers of lame and non-productive donkeys, who approach communities in remote locations across India? • What is the utility of donkeys that are being carried to Nepal illegally? • Who are the possible buyers of alive donkeys and their skin in Nepal? Further Scope of Study It should be noted that this study enabled to investigate and concretise the stretch and volume of the Donkey Hide Trade in India, due to limited resources and restricted time the investigator could not perform an extensive investigation. There are some other sites that can be identified and explored to investigate the illegal DHT. The investigator collected substantial anecdotal evidence on the video camera to conclude that DHT is taking place in the country undetected. 24

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