A flyer distributed to passengers before they step ashore says, ‘In the interest of animal welfare, AIDA Cruises does not offer donkey excursions on Santorini and strongly advises all guests not to take advantage of this offer. Instead, we recommend using the cable car to explore Santorini comfortably.’
AIDA have never offered shore excursions involving donkey rides on Santorini.
PETA
The move has support from international charity People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) in Germany, which has an active petition to bring an end to donkey rides on the Greek island. Campaigner for animals in entertainment and senior biologist at PETA Germany, Dr Yvonne Würz, told Seatrade Cruise, 'We are delighted that AIDA Cruises is taking a stand by informing passengers about the cruelty to the donkeys and mules and we urge other travel companies to follow suit in advising their customers against donkey rides on Santorini.
'PETA has repeatedly published footage of the horrific conditions these animals have to endure, being forced to haul tourists and living in constant fear of being beaten. As long as tourists support the donkey rides instead of visiting the old town on foot or using the modern cable car at the port, animal owners will continue to make money from cruelty to animals.
'PETA is calling for a ban on animal rides on Santorini and asks people to ban cruelty from their travels by avoiding donkey rides and other entertainment programmes that use animals.'
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