The Karoo Donkey Sanctuary says it will try to save the lives of at least 40 donkeys at the Hartswater Horse and Donkey auction near Kimberley, in which more than 500 donkeys and 200 horses will be auctioned on Wednesday.
The annual auction, run by Liba Auctioneers, has caused an outcry on social media, as sanctuaries believe that most of the donkeys will end up being slaughtered for the trade in donkey hide.
Donkey hide is apparently used for medicinal purposes, particularly in China, in a trade worth millions of rands.
A spokesperson for the donkey sanctuary in Prince Albert, says the trade in donkey hide is an unfortunate trend that is causing South Africa's donkey population to be wiped out.
This follows the recent discovery of more than 5000 donkey hides in a shack in Benoni and various investigations by the NSPCA of donkey killings in the country.
NSPCA spokesperson, Mpho Mokoena, who is at the auction, says apart from one case, all of the animals that arrived at Hartswater, are in a satisfying condition.
Owner of Liba Auctioneers, Jaco van Aswegen, says the number of donkeys being auctioned is larger than usual because of the recent drought. He says they go for about R2000 each.
Van Aswegen says farmers most often want to get rid of their donkeys in order to have sustainable pasture for their cattle in winter.
Highveld Horse Care Unit inspector, Kabelo Nkoane says the increase in the demand for donkey hides is tied to a belief that the gelatin in the hides contains medical properties.
