Some of the mules used to transport tourists up and down hundreds of steps between the cruiseship tender dock and Fira, the main town on Santorini
Animal abuse: An international online petition is urging local authorities on Santorini to make significant improvements to the welfare and working conditions of dozens of mules and donkeys that are forced to repeatedly carry tourists up and down hundreds of steps on the island every day, often without adequate water, shade and rest.
The petition is the latest in a series of efforts The Donkey Sanctuary has undertaken during the past 8 years as part of an ongoing campaign to reduce and prevent abuse and cruelty toward donkeys and mules on Santorini, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece.
I described The Donkey Sanctuary’s earlier initiatives in my April 12 2013 post, Don’t ride the donkeys! Why tourists should avoid taking the mule ‘taxis’ on Santorini, which has since become the most-read report on my website. (Please click on the link to see the article and photos if you aren’t already aware of the Santorini donkey situation.)
Animals are denied access to shade, water & rest for long periods
The Donkey Sanctuary decided to launch the latest course of action after an independent report produced in 2013 “revealed that many of these animals are forced to carry overweight passengers and are denied access to shade, water and rest for hours at a time. Poor quality saddles and bridles are often used and safety guidelines are regularly ignored, placing tourists at risk of injury. “
“Over the past few years we have attempted to work with the town municipality to provide training and equipment for the taxi operators although unfortunately, the standards have not been maintained and the level of complaints has risen yet again,” The Sanctuary explains on its website.
The petition calls for a number of “urgent improvements” to the welfare of Santorini’s mule taxis, including provision of adequate shelter and shade, access to fresh water, predetermined weight limits for passengers, and regular veterinary and tack inspections, among others.
Names collected on the petition “will be presented to the mayor of Santorini as part of our campaign to improve standards for donkeys and mules working in the tourism industry,” The Sanctuary says.
A screen capture of The Donkey Sanctuary website post explaining reasons for its petition to prevent cruelty to mules and donkeys in Santorini
June 21, 2014 at 12:07 pm
We must do all we can to stop this shameful cruelty which has no place in the 21st century!
July 21, 2014 at 2:22 pm
DISGUSTED that in this day and age you are using animals to make money from. It is backward and has no place in today’s society. I for one will NEVER visit Santorini or encourage others to do so, in fact I will tell them not to, due to your disgraceful treatment of these innocent creatures.
August 4, 2014 at 2:52 pm
agreed. I will never visit Santorini again (unless they stop this barbaric behaviour) and will encourage others not to go there either.
November 20, 2015 at 3:42 am
I am so glad someone is doing something for the poor animals next year me and my husband are visiting Santorini and we are excited BUT seeing all the poor donkeys and mules has put a demper on our excitement and i for sure can not hold my tongue if i see any animal abuse…. How is the problem lately is it any better ??
Kind regards
Charlese Visser
August 23, 2017 at 1:57 pm
This is 21/8/17 and I have just returned from holiday in Santorini and I am totally disgusted that there is still no improvement in the condition of which these poor animals have to work in ,I did not see any food or water given to these poor beasts who work almost twelve hours a day carrying extremely over weight people who can’t be bothered finding other alternative methods of transport , why to this day is this cruel barbaric trade is allowed to go on day after day , why is nobody taking a stance and stop it . My cruise company NCL certainly did not advise any of there passengers not to ride the donkeys ( so no help the then ).
June 20, 2019 at 10:39 am
June 2019 and still no visible changes to the treatment of these animals at both Fira and Oia. We walked both stairs and although it was tough, felt better afterwards knowing we were not contributing to animal cruelty. Come on people, DONT RIDE THE DONKEYS!
October 12, 2021 at 7:20 am
I’m here in Fira right now & see no changes. The donkeys are in terrible shape, having to stare at a wall all day everyday & they look like they are suffering. €6 for a cable car which is also what they are charging for the donkeys. DONT RIDE THE DONKEYS
May 6, 2024 at 9:27 am
These poor animals suffer terribly. They stand for hours on end and you can see that their legs are soar as they are always having to change their leg positions. They have a very poor life and don’t deserve to be treated this way. They deserve to be treated the love and care for the gentle sweet animals that they are.
May 6, 2024 at 9:30 am
They deserve to be treated with respect