Officials in the Spanish municipality of Mijas have issued a decree banning tourists weighing more than 80 kilograms from riding donkeys in the city, one of its hallmarks.
Mijas, in the Andalusian province of Málaga in southern Spain, is known for its "donkey taxi", giving visitors a unique opportunity to explore its landmarks from the back of the animal.
But with so many complaints, and videos documenting often mistreated donkeys, municipal officials have issued a series of decisions to protect them.
The decisions included an end to the allowable weight for donkey riding, and others aimed at improving veterinary testing and hygiene.
The decisions are due to take effect from January 1, after a short round of "public consultations," according to the Spanish site "Local".
Animal rights groups have repeatedly called for better conditions for these donkeys, especially after a video went viral in September 2015 and sparked outrage.
In the video, a group of people, including the owner of the donkey, mistreated the animal, trying to force him to stand up again after his powers went out.
By Craig Melon November 12, 2019
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