Friday July 10, 2009, 6:00 am
If this is true, that is just awful :(... Thanks Maria!

Friday July 10, 2009, 7:21 am
Very heartbreaking. Sadly noted. Thanks Maria.

Friday July 10, 2009, 10:51 am
noted maria

Friday July 10, 2009, 11:45 am
Dreadful. Noted.

Friday July 10, 2009, 12:30 pm
https://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/103372/Shelter-victory-for-suffering-donkeys/
THE Daily Express crusade to improve the tough lives of Santorini’s donkeys was given a boost last night.

Thanks to relentless pressure from our readers the hard-working animals will have somewhere to escape the blistering Greek sun this summer.

Until now the animals spent their days crammed along the island’s narrow cobbled trail, forced to wait in the baking heat for hoards of holidaymakers arriving.

After no respite from the sweltering sun the donkeys would then have to haul overweight tourists 850ft up to the island’s capital Thira.

But that will soon be a thing of the past, as donkey owners have now agreed to use a waiting system for the animals.

By the end of this week they will have renovated a crumbling shelter which was built for the purpose five years ago.

It marks a great victory for the Daily Express, which has campaigned for the donkeys and mules to be treated decently for two years.

It means the donkeys and mules can rest in the shade, get some water and have a bit of space while they wait for the tourists.

The breakthrough came after Paul Svendsen, of Donkey Sanctuary UK, brokered a deal between the donkey master, local officials and the water taxi services who ferry in tourists.

Mr Svendsen said: “They have agreed on a new system which will make a massive difference. They will open the new shelter at the bottom of the hill by the end of next week. It means the donkeys and mules can rest in the shade, get some water and have a bit of space while they wait for the tourists.

“It will also make life easier for the tourists as well as they won’t be faced by a crush of animals when they arrive.

“The donkey owners are finally coming round to the idea that this is better for everyone.”

Mr Svendsen said he will return to Santorini in 20 days to ensure the change has been implemented. Another shelter is also being planned for the top of the path.

Both projects are being funded by easyCruise, owned by billionaire Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou.

The Greek-born businessman joined our crusade 18 months ago and pledged to give £25,000 a year.

EasyCruise said they would pay the money once the work is done on the shelters.

A spokesman said: “We are delighted to be working with the Donkey Sanctuary in helping to improve the welfare of the donkeys of Santorini.”

Friday July 10, 2009, 1:07 pm
Great site ! Thanks, Maria.

Friday July 10, 2009, 11:14 pm
Distubing, but better news Gillian:-)
Tx

Saturday July 11, 2009, 3:29 am
thanks Maria.

Saturday July 11, 2009, 3:50 am
I've been a supporter of Dr. Elizabeth Svendsen's Donkey Sanctuary for more years than I care to remember. They do wonderful work for donkeys ALL over the world. I couldn't recommend them highly enough. They have the rescue centre and also a centre where handicapped children can come along to meet and interact with donkeys. Wonderful sanctuary. Paul Svendsen is Dr. Elizabeth's son.