A growing coalition of animal welfare advocates is urging Amazon to ban the sale of ejiao, a gelatin made from donkey hides, amid shocking reports of cruelty in its production. Each year, millions of donkeys are slaughtered, causing devastating impacts on both the animals and the rural families that rely on them. As petitions gather steam and a congressional bill is introduced, the call for Amazon to take a stand against this brutal trade intensifies, highlighting the urgent need for ethical practices in the marketplace.
Growing Concern for Donkeys
Animal welfare advocates have gathered in Arlington, Virginia, to voice their concerns about the sale of ejiao, a gelatin made from donkey hides. Over 370,000 signatures were collected on a petition, urging Amazon to stop selling this controversial product. The campaign highlights the urgent need to protect donkeys and the families that depend on them.
The Cruel Reality of Ejiao Production
Every year, around five million donkeys are slaughtered to meet the demand for ejiao. The production process involves horrific transportation and slaughter conditions. Many donkeys are subjected to dehydration and severe abuse, leading to their deaths.
Impact on Rural Communities
The donkey trade severely affects impoverished rural communities worldwide. Families that depend on donkeys for their livelihoods are often left without their primary source of income. The loss of these animals also disrupts local economies and cultural practices.
Amazon’s Continued Inaction
Despite mounting pressure from animal welfare organizations, Amazon has yet to ban ejiao from its platform. Companies like eBay took action back in 2017, showing that it is possible to make a change. The inaction from Amazon has left many advocates frustrated and concerned.
Congressional Action
In response to the growing concern, Representative Don Beyer introduced a bill, H.R. 6021, aimed at banning ejiao sales in the United States. This legislative effort is a step towards addressing the urgent issue of donkey welfare. However, Amazon has not yet acted meaningfully to support this initiative.
Rally at Metropolitan Park
A coalition of organizations, including the Humane Society and Brooke USA, organized a rally at Metropolitan Park. The event aimed to raise awareness and show Amazon that customers care about donkey welfare. Participants delivered the petition directly to Amazon executives, emphasizing the urgent need for change.
Voices of Advocacy
Lacey Kohlmoos, a senior campaign manager at Ekō, expressed outrage over Amazon’s continued sales of ejiao products. She highlighted the brutal realities faced by donkeys in the trade. Advocates hope that their actions will persuade Amazon to take a stand against this cruelty.
Widespread Harm
Experts warn that the trade in donkey-hide gelatin products has far-reaching consequences. Not only does it harm donkeys, but it also affects the families that rely on them. The illicit trade disrupts communities and perpetuates cycles of poverty.
Call to Action for Amazon
Advocates are calling on Amazon to listen to their consumers and take a principled stance. Joanna Grossman from the Animal Welfare Institute stressed that there is no justification for enabling such suffering. Removing ejiao products from the platform would be a significant step toward ending this harmful trade.
The Path Forward
As the pressure mounts, the hope is that Amazon will reconsider its policies on ejiao. The collective efforts of animal welfare advocates and concerned consumers may finally lead to positive change. Together, they aim to protect both donkeys and the communities that depend on them.
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