Santorini’s mayor has pledged to improve conditions for working equines on the Greek island. The Donkey Sanctuary and its partner, Greek Animal Welfare Fund/Animal Action Hellas (GAWF), held positive talks.
Mayor Anastasios-Nikolaos Zorzos pledged that five key improvements would be implemented ahead of this holiday season.
These are to:
1.Extend the shelter at the top of Fira Port steps to protect equines from the sun
2.Install a permanent, free-flowing water trough at the top of Fira Port steps to hydrate working animals
3.Repair and extend the shelter, and install a permanent water trough, at the bottom of Fira Port steps
4.Revise and simplify the code of practice for working equines on the island and to harmonize it with new European directives within the framework of Greek law
5.Support training sessions organized by the Donkey Sanctuary.
The Donkey Sanctuary and GAWF will monitor progress in follow-up visits and both organizations also urged visitors to make informed decisions “about their suitability to ride an animal as well as the suitability of the animal to be ridden”.