Open letter to the Minister of Rural Development Lefteri Avgenakisthe Minister of the Interior Niki Kerameosthe special secretary of the Ministry for Animals Marianthi Dimopoulou and the president of KEDE Lazaros Kyrizoglou addresses one of the animal welfare federations of Greece and correspondingly a coordinating committee regarding the use of equines for the transport of tourists and luggage, as well as entertainment with carriages as a tourist spectacle.

As reported by the Panhellenic Philanthropic and Environmental Federation (PFFO), the incident in Corfu with the horse that lost its life “is not isolated, but is added to the multiple incidents of equine abuse, which occur in touristic parts of our country, causing public outcry and they discredit us internationally”.

The PFPO speaks of a public intervention by actress Anjelica Houston in April 2023 regarding the use of donkeys in Santorini, as well as international organizations.

The actress then, among other things, commented: “I was dumbfounded when I saw the horrible mistreatment that donkeys and mules have to undergo on the beautiful island of Santorini.” In 2022, Santorini was also targeted by the international organization for the ethical treatment of animals PETA, which had done a thorough investigation into the working conditions of animals.

“The abuse of thousands of equids (horses, mules and donkeys) who are forced to work endless hours, in the sun, carrying people and luggage or pulling carriages, usually over difficult routes, often with excessive weight, with poor equipment that increases their abuse, often old or sick, dehydrated and exhausted, is the reality and often leads to severe injuries, disabilities and deaths”, notes the PFPO, adding that “this is a barbaric, no longer needed, outdated practice and ultimately blatant abuse. A practice impermissible for sentient beings, who have a right to a normal life”.

Referring to international practice, the Federation emphasizes that now the local Authorities in important international destinations, such as Rome and Mallorca, “have taken the decision to abolish such transports with horses and carriages. It is time for brave decisions to be taken by the Greek state and the municipalities of the country, so that the torture and the exploitation of animals to the point of death can stop.”

Finally, calling for an immediate ban on the use of equines “for tourist attraction”, the PFPO points out that “it is neither picturesque nor romantic to exploit and exhaust defenseless animals, to have fun at the expense of their well-being and life. It negatively characterizes our culture and our image.”