PETA ‘Donkeys’ Demand an End to Cruel Rides in Santorini After Horror Investigation
To mark the start of Santorini’s peak tourist season, a herd of PETA “donkeys” descended on the Greek Embassy in London to call for an end to the island’s notoriously inhumane donkey rides.
The protest was part of an international week of action, with similar demonstrations held by PETA affiliates at Greek embassies and consulates around the world, including in Berlin, Paris, Sydney, The Hague, and Washington, DC.
What’s Going On in Santorini?
A PETA Germany eyewitness investigation revealed that donkeys and mules are used as “taxis” in Santorini’s scorching summer heat – they’re forced to transport tourists up more than 500 steep steps to the old town of Firá, even though a cable car has been operating nearby for decades.
Many animals were found tethered in the blazing-hot sun without access to water or shade – and some were even forced to continue working at night, hauling bags of rubbish.
A new law passed this year prevents owners from burdening donkeys with weights exceeding 100 kilograms – but according to veterinary recommendations, donkeys shouldn’t carry more than 20% of their body weight, approximately 50 kilograms.
How You Can Help Donkeys
- Please sign our appeal to the Greek Minister of Tourism and the Mayor of Santorini urging them to ban cruel donkey rides altogether:
- At many tourist attractions, animals are abused and mistreated in order to make money. Avoid all animal-exploiting activities, including rides, shows, and photo ops.
- If you’re asked or encouraged to participate in such an activity while on holiday, please tell the organisers that you refuse to take part because of animal welfare concerns. Ask them to stop offering these activities.
