A donkey slaughterhouse has resumed operations in Assela town, in the Arsi Zone of the Oromia Regional State, after seven years delay due to public outroar.

Rhong Chang, a China-based company, has opened the abattoir with an investment of over 60 million Br, in 2014. It can slaughter 300 donkeys a day, hiring 200 people. The company had exported 80,000 dollars worth of meat to markets in East Asia last month.

The development comes five years after the pioneer slaughterhouse for donkeys, Shandong Dong, was closed by authorities following public affront for the business perceived as offensive to societal values and norms. Rhong Chang commenced operations following consultations with religious and community leaders in the area as well as security and Assela Town Administration officials, according to Kassim Ibrahim, head of Hilala Kebele in Assela.

"The company has been given a permit to start operations after observing changes in the attitude of residents in the area," Kassim told Fortune.

As part of the deal, the company cannot source donkeys within a 100Km radius of where the abattoir is located.

"We won't compromise if there are issues with the health safety of residents," said Kassim.

The abattoir processes aged and male donkeys, paying over 2,000 Br per head. It has slaughtered nearly 6,000 donkeys since it kicked off operations five months ago, but the meat was not exported until last month due to a shortage of refrigerated containers. However, the Meat & Dairy Industry Development Institute facilitated containers for the first shipment of 101tn of donkey meat last month.

Rhong Chang has not yet commenced the export of hides to China, where they are used to make a traditional medicine known as elijao. It is believed to be a remedy for everything from ageing to miscarriage and has seen a price upsurge in Chinese markets over the last decade. A kilogramme of the gelatinous substance can go for as much as 900 dollars.