Brazil Senate Advances Bill to Ban Donkey Slaughter

The Brazilian Senate is reviewing a draft law (OPL 2.613/2026) that would prohibit the slaughter of donkeys nationwide, a species regarded as part of the country's cultural heritage and at risk of extinction by 2030. The proposal, championed by the National Forum for Animal Protection and supported by Senator Fabiano Contarato, seeks to criminalize killing except for sanitary reasons and includes penalties for unauthorized slaughter.

Parliamentarians have until Tuesday, 23 April, to submit amendments. The bill, originally submitted through the e‑Cidadania portal and processed by the Human Rights and Participatory Legislation Committee, has sparked debate over its economic impact, as donkey hides and collagen are exported for pharmaceutical and cosmetic products, primarily to Asian markets. After the amendment period, the measure will return to committee review before heading to a plenary vote and, if passed, to the Chamber of Deputies.

Supporters argue the law will preserve biodiversity and a symbol of rural Brazilian identity celebrated in music and folklore, while opponents warn of potential losses for export‑driven industries.