By Nidal al-Mughrabi

GAZA, Dec 14 (Reuters) - Donkey prices are at record highs in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip since Israel cut imports of car parts and fuel supplies.

"Donkeys are better than cars these days," said salesman Odeh Odwan, because merchants and ordinary Palestinians are unable to afford, let alone find, working vehicles or petrol.

Odwan estimates donkey prices in Gaza have nearly doubled to $420 each, a fraction of the cost of buying and fuelling a car.

"It is time for donkeys to have some pride," said Odwan as he held several animals on a rope at the bustling donkey market east of Gaza City on Friday.

After the militant Palestinian group Hamas seized control of the Gaza Strip in June, Israel tightened its cordon around the territory, largely limiting imports to humanitarian supplies.

Spare parts for cars no longer get in and Israel moved to reduce fuel supplies after declaring Gaza an "enemy entity" in September.

Prices for sheep and other large animals have also soared, due to a lack of imports and heavy demand ahead of next week's Eid al-Adha feast, known as the day of sacrifice.

During the Muslim holiday, families slaughter sheep and cows, seeking God's forgiveness and good fortune.

Though far cheaper than keeping a car, some cash-strapped donkey owners complain about the high cost of animal feed.

"I make about 20 shekels ($5) a day. Almost half of the money goes to buy food for the donkey," said Abu Faisal, who sat on a donkey cart loaded with empty cooking gas canisters.

Many owners feed their donkeys street trash to cut costs.

Like the used car market, donkey trade-ins are on the rise.

Mahmoud Shbair hopes to make a quick buck by selling his own donkey at a high price and buying another one that is cheaper. He will live on the difference for few days, he said.

"The donkey is hungry and his owner is too," Shbair said. (Editing by Stephen Weeks)

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