Donkey rides are a popular tourist attraction on the Greek island of Santorini. Travelers enjoy exploring the streets of ancient towns from the back of donkeys, avoiding the tedious ups and downs of walking. However, the animals suffer from riders who are too heavy – saddles put a lot of pressure on the donkeys' backs, leaving terrible wounds on the skin and damaging their spines.
Under pressure from animal rights activists, the Greek Ministry of Agriculture and Food has banned overweight tourists from riding donkeys on the island of Santorini. Now, only people weighing under 100 kilograms will be allowed to ride donkeys.
Animal rights activists have noticed that the average tourist visiting Santorini is steadily increasing in weight, the Daily Mail reports. Donkeys are forced to carry increasingly heavy loads, working daily in poor conditions—without rest or water. When an animal can no longer work, it is disposed of. The Greek government's decision to limit the weight of tourists allowed to ride donkeys was the first step toward saving these animals. The second measure required donkey owners to monitor their animals' well-being, properly feed and water them, and promptly treat their wounds.
Due to Santorini's hilly terrain, donkeys are used not only as taxis in areas where cars cannot pass, but also for transporting various goods. Animal rights activists intend to improve the animals' plight by raising awareness in the media and the public.
Source: travel.ru