PETA Speaks Out After Man Beaten for Filming Donkey Abuse
A donkey handler reportedly knocked a man to the ground, repeatedly punched him in the face, and smashed his glasses in Mijas, Spain – all because the concerned tourist was trying to film donkeys who were made to haul heavy carriages during a recent heatwave.
Following the incident, PETA sent a letter calling on Mayor of Mijas Ana Carmen Mata Rico to end the use of donkeys and other equines for tourist rides. We also offered to provide Mijas with its first electric tuk-tuk.
Other animal rights organisations, including Free Mijas Donkeys and Horses and PACMA (the Animal Rights Party Against Animal Mistreatment), have also taken action over the abuse of donkeys in Mijas by holding protests and filing official complaints.
Donkeys Suffer From Being Treated as Taxis
Forcing donkeys to carry humans and their luggage can strain their backs and joints, putting them at risk of collapsing – or even dying – especially in extreme heat.
Donkeys used in the tourist trade frequently suffer from painful abrasions and wounds due to ill-fitting tack and are beaten with sticks by handlers and denied essential needs like rest and water.
Electric Vehicles Are the Future
We’re urging the mayor of Mijas to retire these long-suffering donkeys and other equines and replace them with modern electric tuk-tuks, starting with the one PETA stands ready to provide.
Replacing exhausted, abused animals with electric vehicles has proved successful in other parts of the world. Brussels recently replaced horse-drawn carriages with quaint Victorian-style carts.
Speak Out for Donkeys
Please send a polite message to the mayor of Mijas and use PETA’s action page to help stop animals from being abused in the tourism industry:
Sharing our content may mean you also share your personal data with the chosen social media platform. Find out more here.
