Camaron, an 11-year-old donkey, weighs about 300 kg and has a beautiful deterrence. And he has a special care in terms of cleanliness, and he is engaged in activities with another 69 donkeys that provide services to tourists in the Spanish village of Migas, represented by riding their appearance, which is one of the main tourist activities in the region. Recently, the system of caring for this team of donkeys was modernized with the aim of improving his life, as there have become a number of distinctive systems for what is known here as the “Labor Law”, which stipulates that no “camaron” or any other donkey on his back should carry an adult weighing more than 80 kg, during his usual work in the service of carrying tourists.

Systems update

"The regulations have now been modernized," says local transportation and civilian traffic advisor Nicholas Cruz, to bring them in line with the European Animal Protection Law. It comes in response to complaints from many residents and tourists in the region, especially those from northern Europe, who cannot understand the reason why riding a donkey or horse is still a magnet for tourists in southern Spain. "The new laws are also important because they are in line with the desires of a new society that respects animal welfare," Cruz added.

The new laws, which are expected to be approved starting in 2020, also include working hours, which start from nine in the morning until six in the evening in autumn and winter, and in the spring and summer, work starts from 8.30 in the morning until 9:30 in the evening, where there is a mandatory break for these animals what Between 2 and 5 pm. The laws specified the minimum age for the donkey to start operating three years, and the life expectancy for these animals to serve during it is between 30 and 35 years.

The new regulations include many different improvements such as providing first aid, expanding stables for donkeys to expand in when you want to, and there are plans to improve health conditions in the stables. Also, drinking water will be provided to these animals throughout the day, and the length of the rope used to tie them should be at least 30 centimeters, in order to be able to move their head to flush the flies off their face. On the other hand, those who care for these animals must wear appropriate suits.

Salvador Torres, one of the owners of the donkeys in Megas, owns 10 donkeys, including "Camaron", saying "We believe that everything can improve her living conditions, which is great." He was distressed that he was not part of the committee that discussed donkey life improvement systems. He rejects complaints that donkeys are under stress from work intensity, and says, "She practically relaxes most of the day, and is waiting for customers in Megas Town."

The services provided by donkeys seem similar to the work of taxis, when any donkey ends his tour he goes to stand in the queue of donkeys waiting for the next round. During the summer, Easter, and other holidays, each donkey works three or four times a day. In winter, donkeys go out to work once a week. The rest of the time goes on to the neighboring stables, says El Khendro Treso, who has been working with these animals for a decade.

This work is very simple, as the round on the back of a donkey for a quarter of an hour is 15 euros, while the round on a donkey pulls a cart behind it, it is 20 euros for two people for a quarter of an hour as well.

Riding the donkeys in Mijas is the most criticized service by the human rights group in Spain, where he was subjected to criticism during many occasions, the last of which was in 2018, when one of the donkeys died due to the "difficult conditions he was living", according to the group.

- The laws specified the minimum age for the donkey to start operating

Three years, and as for life expectancy it will serve this

The animals during it are between 30 and 35 years old.

- Megas riding in donkeys is considered a service

The most severe criticism by the human rights group

In Spain.