Tourists seen riding donkeys on Santorini who are classed to be too heavy a load for the animal to comfortably carry, could now face fines in the thousands.
“In the event of violations of existing legislation by the audit authorities, the offenders will be subject to severe penalties,” Greece’s Agriculture Minster Makis Voridis said, noting that “the envisaged fine may be up to €30,000 (AUD $48,000),” The Sun reported.
Legislation was introduced by the Greek government in 2018, making it illegal for donkeys to carry weight over 95 kilograms.
However a spokesperson for charity, Help the Santorini Donkeys, says donkeys should carry “no more than 20 per cent of their own body weight”, meaning the weight restriction should be set at a maximum of 50 kilograms.
With donkeys helping to raise a significant amount of revenue for owners, particularly in the summer, there has been outcry on the island.
Meanwhile however, it has yet to be outlined how the legislation and weight restrictions will be imposed, leaving animal rights activities asking questions.
READ MORE: Greek donkeys banned from carrying obese tourists
There are also ongoing concerns about animal abuse inflicted on donkeys by owners, some of whom were captured on video whipping their animals.
The matter has attracted global attention, with A-list celebrities the likes of Greek American Tommy Lee raising concerns to Greek Authorities about the weight of tourists, along with a lack of shade and water in high temperatures at the peak of summer.
READ MORE: Santorini: A donkey’s Golgotha