I originally took this movie as a bit of fun, but seeing the plight of some of the donkeys and mules carrying cruise liner passengers from the port area to Thira town, I grew concerned for the animals welfare.
Returning home to the UK I did more research and found that there are campaigns to improve the lives of the donkeys, or to remove them altogether.
A prime mover in this aim is the UK based Donkey Charity which has laid out guidelines for the future welfare of the animals, listed below.
Please do more research yourselves - there are plenty of websites listing stories and personal experiences of donkey maltreatment.
I therefore dedicate this movie to the Santorini donkeys and mules and hope their lives can be improved very soon.
1. Progress plans to build a second cable car to save the donkey taxis from this terrible situation.
2. Improve and enforce The Donkey Sanctuary's code of practice for donkey taxis.
3. Ensure that the donkeys are properly licensed and receive veterinary inspections ensuring they are fit to work.
4. Ensure that the shelters and welfare facilities that are already in place are used by the owners.
5. Build further facilities at the top of the steps utilisting money promised by Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou of Easy Jet over a year ago.
6. Work with The Donkey Sanctuary and the local welfare group to improve conditions for the donkey taxis
7. Provide proper facilities and care for the donkeys in the "refuge".
It called on its supporters to help get the Municipality of Santorini to change its ways.
"We must discourage tourists from using the donkey taxis. Santorini relies on tourism to be successful and if tourists stop going because of the animal welfare issues, maybe then the municipality and the donkey owners will realise they need to act on their words."
Негізгі бет Donkeys on Santorini
Пікірлер: 44