Plight of Santorini Donkeys (pics too) LONG BUT PLEASE READ!

I agree that it is all about education - and that is of the tourists as much as the owners of the donkeys/mules. I think the fact that a sanctuary/The Brook visits twice a year tells you that there is reason for concern. At the end of the day do tourists (fat or otherwise) really need to sit on a donkey/mule to go up hill. If the tourists didn't keep shelling out for the rides the donkeys/mules would disappear. I expect they are the same tourists who go to Africa and pay the local guides to chase lions etc In these sort of tourist 'attractions' the locals are usually quite aware of tourists concerns and get agressive when questioned about the care of the animals and would certainly not think twice about being abusive to any tourist who tried to take pictures or take a closer look.

Well done S_V in trying highlight something that in this day and age is completely unnecessary - and this isn't in some desperate 3rd world country this is in Greece which is a member of the EU and considers itself one of the originators of civilised society.......
 
This is a long ongoing battle. Firstly, those animals look in good condition, how can anyone comment on anything we cannot see, such as how they are/are not being treated? Donkeys originally come from hot countries, so the mule will obviously inherit some of the ability to cope with the heat. Donkeys (hence also the resulting mules) are also quiet different to donkeys we are used to in the UK, they are tall and lanky. Strength wise, donkeys/mules are far stronger weight-for-weight than horses.

various sanctuaries are working in the education of these people, and they are caring for their animals better. How do we know how often and how much water they are offered? Their tack is different, but does not mean it is casuing pain.
There is too much supposition here, and the british attitude that these animals are incapable of doing real work.

The most important thing in this scenario, is the tourists, many of whom are British, in being lazy and ignorant enough to ride on them. These people in other countries have limited means of income, and if tourists are willing to pay, then they will carry on doing this.

As said, education is key, and that applies to the ignorant tourists aswell as the ride operators.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top