Animal rights activists have lashed out at the management and the overweight tourists responsible for the suffering of hundreds of donkeys that are forced to carry heavy individuals up the stairs in a famous tourist hotspot.
Despite being known as the idyllic rest place, the Greek island of Santorini has a dark side that few tourists seem to know about.
On the island, hundreds of donkeys are forced to carry tourists, often overweight, up hundreds of steps several times per day.
Not only are the animals treated badly and whipped when they refuse to move, but they are also not provided a proper resting place or sufficient water during their breaks.
According to the activists who lashed out at the island’s authorities, the enslavement of donkeys is a “clear breach” of the country’s animal protection laws.
As the matter went viral, PETA also intervened and started taping awareness placards in public places. The signs read: “Donkeys Suffer for Tourists. Please Don’t Ride Them.”
Despite their efforts to stop the abuse, however, the activists reported that officials are covering up or removing the placards because they are allegedly destroying their business.
According to the campaigners determined to reveal Santorini’s dark side, the donkeys are required to make four to five return journeys in unbearable conditions each day.
As the influx of tourists went up drastically in recent years, the demand for donkeys increased as well. Following years of cruel service, donkeys typically end up injured or die from exhaustion.
“Veterinary recommendations, donkeys shouldn’t carry more than 20 percent of their body weight, approximately 110 pounds (50kg),” PETA’s website explains.
What are your thoughts on this matter? Let us know in the comments and don’t forget to SHARE this post with your friends and family and follow us on Facebook for more news and stories!