Overweight tourists banished from Greek donkey

santorini - A tough climb up the mountain, many tourists do not feel like it during their holiday. They then choose a comfortable ride by donkey. The Greek minister of Rural Development and Food intervenes after animal rights organizations have called in earlier. Overweight people may no longer be transported by the animals.

Numerous donkeys on the Greek tourist island suffer from severe back problems and sitting wounds, according to Het Nieuwsblad. Animal rights organization PETA made images of the abuses last summer. After seeing these images, the Greek government decided to take action.

The animals used for tourist trips may not carry more than one hundred kilos or more than 20 percent of their own weight. The owners are now also officially responsible for the well-being and health of the animals. 'Animals can not be used if they are ill, injured or pregnant. 'They can also expect high fines if the donkeys do not get enough food, clean drinking water or well-kept stables.