PACMA is leading a protest against donkey taxis in Mijas this weekend, it has announced.
The animal rights group has called for a demonstration in the tourist mecca for Sunday, May 10.
It said in a post on Instagram: ‘Next Sunday, May 10, we’re gathering in Mijas to demand an end to the continued exploitation of donkeys as a tourist attraction.
‘We can’t allow this in the 21st century!
‘Our president, Javier Luna, our vice president, Cristina Garcia and our spokesperson, Yolanda Morales will be participating.
‘It will be at the Mirador Hermanos Nuñez Andreu viewpoint on Sunday at 11am. We’re counting on you!’
It added: ‘Thanks to our constant complaints, we’ve taken the case to court.’
The planned protest is the latest chapter in a long-running debate over the use of donkey taxis in Mijas, one of the Costa del Sol’s most recognisable tourist attractions.
Animal rights groups have for years criticised the practice, arguing that the animals are exposed to high temperatures, long working hours and inadequate welfare conditions, particularly during the busy summer months.
Local authorities and operators, however, have defended the tradition, insisting that the donkeys are well cared for and subject to veterinary checks and regulations.
Following increasing backlash, Mijas town hall last year introduced measures such as shaded rest areas, weight limits and regulated working hours – although activists have claimed these are regularly ignored.
A decree signed by the conservative mayor Ana Mata (Partido Popular), stated that the taxis should be paused or stopped altogether in extreme bouts of heat.
If state weather agency Aemet issues a yellow alert for heat, then the donkeys must not be put to work between 2pm and 6pm.
If an orange or red warning is in place, then they must not work at all until the alert is deactivated.
Secondly it calls on donkey owners to clear up after their animals, or face serious fines.
The document says: ‘The excrement collection system at all stops on this service will be the responsibility of the concessionaires. Failure to do so will be punishable as a serious offence.
‘Likewise, the concessionaires will also be responsible for cleaning up animal excrement along the route.’
The ruling advised donkey owners to use ‘preventative’ bags that can be attached to the donkey and collect their excrement ‘before it falls to the ground.’
It added: ‘It is also important to remember that failure to comply constitutes a serious offence, punishable by a fine of €750 to €1,500.’
Finally, it ordered that the rope used to tie the animals up be no shorter than 50cm to guarantee ‘a minimum standard of freedom of movement and well-being for the animals.’
Mijas town hall said the new rules ‘demonstrated its commitment to the safeguarding and well-being of riders, coachmen, and the animals themselves.’
That has not appeased animal activists in the region, who have been demanding the business be banned altogether.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
