The Donkey Sanctuary ends work in Santorini

Thursday, 11 November 2010 17:32

A horse care organisation has called for more attention to be paid to the plight of donkeys in Santorini.

The Donkey Sanctuary - which was founded in 1969 and established as a charity in 1972 by Dr Elisabeth Svendson - has pointed out that donkey taxis are often areas of concern.

These are a form of public transport in the blisteringly hot Greek island, which does a roaring tourist trade.

According to the charity, there are very few areas of shade or shelter from the elements, and the animals are often not watered or fed, despite working hours in the heat.

"The owners have been seen by our investigators hitting their donkeys and mules with sticks and berating them if they do not react quickly enough," the organisation added.

Despite working for several years with people in the practice, the Donkey Sanctuary has revealed that it will no longer be doing so due to lack of ongoing efforts to curb cruelty.

Elsewhere, it recently highlighted the issue of donkey welfare in San Bernabe, Mexico.

Posted by Elaine