Although it is already known that riding elephants while traveling in Asia is an act of mistreatment and a support of exploitation, we may be less aware that a relatively similar situation is also developing in Europe.
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In footage released last September by the association PETA, the general public was able to find out about the exploitation of donkeys and mules on the Greek island of Santorini.
Cruel treatment
To please tourists, small equines are forced to climb and descend 500 steps several times a day, under a blazing sun all the while carrying tourists or their luggage.
‘According to veterinary recommendations on animal welfare, animals should not carry more than 20% of their body weight, or about 50 kilograms,’ PETA said in a statement.
Beyond this load, the animals suffer from back, hoof, and joint problems…
Exploitation
Some weaken quickly and when they are no longer fit to work, they are abandoned to their sad plight and left to fend for themselves by owners without heart or morals. Those who do not abandon them beat them with sticks or whips until they are exhausted.
At night, some donkeys are then used to carry rubbish bins and other rubbish abandoned by tourists. They get no rest, no access to water, no access to shade during the day nor access to a barn for the night. Finally, they all suffer from injuries, burns and scrapes due to loose saddles, halters and reins.
Commitment from local government
Faced with the outrage of social networks and a petition that has already collected 10,000 signatures, Santorini has announced that it will better supervise the activity of rides on donkeys.
A meeting was organised by the local government between the owners of the animals and animal welfare associations, the day after a demonstration between animal advocates and animal owners had degenerated into a fight.
Following the meeting organised by the Mayor, the group of Santorini donkey owners pledged to provide shade and water for the animals and to limit their working hours. They also proposed to exclude from their group the breeders who mistreat their horses.
