The Santorini mules are often overburdened and typically spend long days in the sun with little access to shade or water. Many have spinal injuries and saddle sores.
GAVIN HAINES: ‘Donkeys have been used to ferry human cargo up Santorini’s notoriously steep steps for generations, but holiday-makers are being urged to think twice before riding mules on the Greek island, after some of the animals were found to have spinal injuries and saddle sores. Welfare groups have partly blamed overweight tourists for the travails of Santorini’s donkeys, which are often overburdened and typically spend long days in the sun with little access to shade or water…
“Over recent years we have had several complaints from cruise passengers about the way donkeys were being treated on islands such as Santorini: for example, where rides are offered on donkeys and mules that have been tethered for hours on end in the hot sun unable to access water,” said Tom Boardley, secretary general at CLIA Europe…
In a bid to improve conditions for the animals, The Donkey Sanctuary, a UK-based charity, has launched a new campaign called In Their Hooves, which urges visitors to rethink whether or not they accept rides on the beasts of burden… The Donkey Sanctuary has also been working with the island’s authorities to promote better treatment of donkeys, and is training local enforcement officers to look out for signs of mistreatment’. SOURCE…
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