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The load on the backs of Santorini's donkeys is about to become lighter.
On Wednesday, Greek lawmakers announced that their very popular coastal walks would be limited to tourists "weighing less than 100 kilograms (220 pounds) or a fifth of the weight of the donkey," according to the law.
Under the new regulations established by the Greek Ministry of Rural Development and Food, animals "should not be overweight for their size, age or physical condition".
Owners must also take responsibility for the condition of donkeys by ensuring that their health, stables, workstations and food and water supplies are well maintained, clean and free of infection.
Tourists on donkeys in Santorini, Greece
Education Images / UIG via Getty
Donkeys should never be used if they are not fit to work, that is to say, sick animals, wounded, in advanced pregnancy, and animals whose hooves are poorly maintained, reads in the new law.
Tourists traveling to the island often used donkeys to transport them from shore to the main town of Santorini, taking the steep hills and crossing areas inaccessible to vehicles.
However, in recent years, the rise of obesity would have had adverse consequences on animals, to the point that the inhabitants have even started to cross animals to create mules in order to keep up with the influx of tourists larger size and demand for stronger animals, reports Greek City Times,
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The decision to protect the animals was taken following a video posted in July, showing donkeys carrying overweight tourists. Many activists subsequently complained that the animals were treated inhumanely and, as a result, suffered from spinal injuries and open wounds.
An online petition was also created claiming that donkeys were "forced to stay in the sun in their own droppings" and that peasants would flog them to speed up while carrying "lazy" tourists who allegedly walked for 30 minutes. or take a cable car.
Since its creation, it has collected more than 100,000 signatures.
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In August, The Donkey Sanctuary – which also set up its own pledge site – met with the Greek government to discuss animal health and safety.
After having met with Mayor Anastasios-Nikolaos Zorzos of Santorini, the petition is closed, underlining that Mr. Zorzos is "committed to improving the working conditions of equidae on the Greek island" .
But even with the legislation in place to protect donkeys from excessive labor, animal rights advocates are still unhappy with the new law, telling CNN that it was a "disposable" gesture and that it " will not prevent the daily suffering "endured by animals. .
"Donkeys can still be forced to carry a person weighing more than 500 pounds stiff four to five times a day," said Mimi Bekhechi, director of international programs for PETA UK, to the newspaper.
