Donkeys are still being forced to carry overweight tourists in Santorini despite the law banning any passenger more than 100kg from riding the animals.
It was in 2018 when the Greek government passed a law banning overweight tourists from riding donkeys to improve the animals’ welfare.
However, PETA claimed that donkeys are being mistreated and abused by both handlers and tourists. The animal rights group has also accused Greek authorities of covering up the treatment of donkeys in Santorini.
The animals were seen struggling in hot temperatures while being forced to carry heavy tourists up the 500 steps to Fira from the island’s port.
In addition, PETA has criticized officials for blocking their ad campaign from being seen on taxis and buses, which shows an exhausted donkey next to the words ‘Donkeys Suffer for Tourists. Please Don’t Ride Them.’
The video released by PETA shows donkeys struggling up the steps as they tire from tiredness and endangering other tourists going to Fira on foot.
According to the animal rights group, the animals are denied water and couldn’t move their heads to swat annoying flies away.
Elisa Allen, the director of PETA, said: “It’s a disgrace that gentle donkeys and mules are still being whipped and marched into the ground as they’re forced to work day in and day out with no relief from the hot sun.
“Peta is calling on tourists to steer clear of these hideously cruel rides and urging Greek authorities to step up and stop this abuse.”
More than 2,000 donkeys are still in Santorini, making the area one of the biggest donkey communities in the country.
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Replaced!