Protect the Donkeys of Mijas Pueblo
Mijas Pueblo on the Costa del Sol is famous for its ‘burro taxis’ or donkey taxis. The donkey carriages will take passengers around the village in what should be a nice experience. Originally used by workers as ‘cars’, the donkeys quickly became a tourist attraction.
Today, donkey taxis are an institution and money-making business in Mijas and one of its biggest tourist attractions. The attraction is loved by many tourists and without their interest for the donkey taxi, it would not exist.
But, beneath the pleasant – lies a cruel and particularly distasteful reality. A recent video spread around the social media has shown one of the animals being kicked and wounded by a local. Not surprisingly, the video has sparked anger amongs the public who feel that something should be done to erase this business of animal cruelty.
The Donkey Sanctuary International charity has been strongly campaigning against the use of donkeys in the Peropalo festival in Villanueva de la Vera, Spain since 1986. A petition letter that was sent to the government in 2014 reveals the inhumane actions towards the innocent donkeys.
It stated that, “This festival is an unnecessary excuse to exert power over an innocent and defenseless creature, and it is appalling that such an event still occurs.”
The government has indicated for years that they would regulate the treatment of these animals, and punish those who mistreat them. However, even today, people from Mijas still witness the cruel beatings of the innocent donkeys which get brushed under the carpet.
Now, Mijas residents petition to protect donkeys. A local resident has started a petition on change.org to demand that Mijas Town Hall does something about the situation with the donkeys, which, at the time of writing, has already gathered almost 1,000 signatures.
Meanwhile local political groups PP and Podemos have been quick to express their disgust at the incident, which occurred just metres from the town hall building, and have voiced their intention to demand measures to protect the animals. Politicians distancing themselves from negative press – what a bloody surprise.
If this is something that concerns you, do something about it. Email Mijas Ayuntamiento (Town Hall) and tell them.
The website for the Mijas Town hall is here…
http://www.mijas.es/
The email address for the “Department of Citizen Participation” is asociaciones@mijas.es and the webpage is here…
Article taken (modified) from Euro Weekly News, written by Johana Scanlan. Read it in full here.
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