In Santorini, donkey drivers attacked PETA activists: the incident was caught on video

Attack on three PETA activists in Santorini once again aggravated the long-term “Donkey Taxi” controversy: is transportation of tourists acceptable use of working animals or form of exploitationwhich should be completely banned?

The incident occurred on September 5, 2026, on the Karavolades stairs connecting the old port of Santorini with Fira. Representatives of PETA Deutschland filmed the animals and held an action against the use of donkeys and mules to transport tourists.

According to the organization, the mahouts demanded that filming be stopped, damaged posters and tried to force the women down the stairs. The published video shows how one of the men hit the activist in the face and then pushed her, after which the woman fell.

No matter how controversial PETA’s demands and methods may be, physical violence against participants in a peaceful protest cannot be justified. The organization intends to go to court, but official information about the arrests has not yet been published.

Conflict between PETA activists and animal riders. Video: PETA.

Work or exploitation?

PETA has been campaigning against “donkey taxi” for years. Activists report animals with scrapes and wounds from saddles, lack of water and shade, excessive exercise and working in extreme heat. However, individual violations require verification and punishment of specific owners, but do not in themselves prove that any use of a working animal constitutes cruelty.

Donkeys and mules have been used for centuries to transport people and goods in areas inaccessible to motor vehicles. The Karavolades Staircase has over 500 steep steps and can be difficult to climb on your own for the elderly, children and passengers with limited mobility. The drivers themselves also walk the route, accompanying the animals.

The Greek Ministry of Rural Development released instructions for the protection of working horses, donkeys and mules. It includes exercise limitation, rest, water, shade, suitable harness and veterinary supervision. Therefore, the main question is not whether a donkey can work, but under what conditions it does so.

What PETA Offers

The organization demands a complete ban on the transport of tourists and the transfer of approximately 100 animals to shelters. As an alternative, PETA offers mechanical exoskeletons and is ready to finance the purchase of the first devices.

However, the question remains who will pay for the donkeys’ lifelong care, veterinary care and food, and what will happen to the families who make their living from this trade. There is no reason to say that after the ban, animals will necessarily be sent to slaughter, but the loss of the economic sense of keeping them does create a risk of selling, exporting or abandoning them.

MEGA report on the Santorini donkey taxi attack and controversy.

Not a ban, but real control

A reasonable solution would be mandatory registration of animals, independent veterinary examinations, restrictions on the weight of passengers and the number of lifts, breaks, access to water and a complete ban on working during hot hours. For repeated violations, owners should have their license revoked.

Public actions help to attract attention, but scandals and viral videos by themselves do not improve the lives of animals. The result must be measured by their actual condition and compliance with the rules. If humane conditions cannot be ensured, then a phase-out of the fishery will have to be discussed – along with funding for the care of donkeys and support for islanders who have lost their jobs.

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