Why are donkeys facing their 'biggest ever crisis'?

Donkey meat is also a popular food, but a huge drop in the number of Chinese donkeys and the fact they are slow to reproduce, has forced suppliers to look elsewhere.
Africa has been badly hit because the animals are such an important part of life for transport and farming - particularly in poorer communities.
n many places the price of a donkey has doubled in the past few years, and as thieves cash in, families are left unable to afford a new animal.
'I woke up and my donkey was gone'
Water deliveryman Anthony Maupe Wanyama, 29, from Kenya had his donkey Carlos for four years and was doing well.
"I bought land up-country, bought a house, paid school fees and looked after my family," said the father of two.
He and his donkey were such a part of life in Ongata Rongai, just outside Nairobi, that Anthony's nickname is "Carlos".
"I woke up one morning and Carlos was missing. I looked around the area, and then found him dead, his skin had been removed," said Anthony, tears rolling down his cheeks as he talked about his much-loved animal.
He now rents another donkey to pull a cart-load of blue plastic jerry cans he uses to deliver water, but has to give the owner half of the three or four dollars he makes on a good day.
"Now I don't have enough money. I haven't paid my rent, I haven't paid school fees, and I have people who depend on me," Anthony said.
He can't afford to buy a new Carlos.