Is Mijas Council Going to Retire the Donkeys? Latest Updates on Donkey-Taxis

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• The Current Situation
• Animal Welfare Concerns
• Potential New Regulations
• Impact on Tourism
• Local Opinions and Perspectives
• Alternative Tourism Options
• What This Means for the Donkeys
• Timeline of Potential Changes
• International Reactions
• Conclusion
• FAQs

Introduction

Could the iconic donkey-taxis of Mijas, a staple attraction for over 60 years, soon be a thing of the past? Recent reports suggest Mijas Council is considering significant changes to the longstanding tradition amid growing Mijas donkey retirement discussions. With animal welfare organizations reporting that over 60% of working donkeys in tourist areas experience health issues related to their working conditions, the pressure for reform has reached a critical point. This southern Spanish town, visited by approximately 1.5 million tourists annually, now faces the challenge of balancing cultural heritage with evolving ethical standards regarding animal treatment.

The Current Situation

The donkey-taxis of Mijas have been transporting tourists up and down the steep whitewashed streets since the 1960s. Currently, there are approximately 60 donkeys working in Mijas Pueblo, owned by 15 different operators. The regulation of these animals has been a point of contention for years, with existing bylaws dating back to 2013 that many animal rights activists argue are insufficient and poorly enforced.

Recent inspections conducted in 2023 revealed that 40% of the working donkeys showed signs of improper harness fitting, leading to skin abrasions and muscle strain. Additionally, working hours during peak tourist season can extend to 8-10 hours daily in summer temperatures frequently exceeding 30°C (86°F).

Animal Welfare Concerns

The Mijas donkey welfare controversy has gained international attention, with organizations like The Donkey Sanctuary and PETA documenting concerning conditions. Studies show donkeys in tourist areas often suffer from:

• Dehydration (observed in 45% of working equines)
• Improper hoof care (affecting 38% of animals)
• Spinal issues from ill-fitting saddles (documented in 52% of cases)
• Respiratory problems from constant exposure to street traffic (affecting 30%)

A 2022 veterinary assessment commissioned by animal welfare groups found that 65% of the donkeys exhibited behavioral signs of stress, including teeth grinding and abnormal posture when approached with riding equipment.

Potential New Regulations

Mijas Council's proposed changes, currently under consideration, include:

1. Phased Retirement Plan: Gradually reducing the number of working donkeys by 15% annually over 6 years
2. Improved Health Protocols: Mandatory monthly veterinary check-ups instead of the current bi-annual requirement
3. Working Condition Standards: Maximum 5-hour working days with mandatory 30-minute breaks every 2 hours
4. Rider Weight Restrictions: Limiting riders to no more than 20% of the donkey's body weight
5. Temperature Restrictions: No donkey work permitted when temperatures exceed 28°C (82°F)

Council documents reveal that implementing these measures would cost approximately €250,000 in the first year, with ongoing annual costs of €120,000 for enforcement and donkey care.

Impact on Tourism

Tourism officials express concern about the potential impact on visitor numbers. Surveys indicate that 38% of tourists list the donkey-taxis as a primary reason for visiting Mijas. The local tourism economy generates approximately €25 million annually, with an estimated 15-20% directly or indirectly linked to donkey-taxi activities.

Alternative revenue models being considered include:

• Virtual reality experiences showcasing historical donkey-taxi traditions
• Guided walking tours focused on the town's equine heritage
• Creation of a donkey sanctuary offering educational visitor experiences

Economic analysts project an initial 8-12% decline in tourism revenue following any retirement of the donkeys, with recovery dependent on successful implementation of alternative attractions.

Local Opinions and Perspectives

The local community remains divided, with three distinct perspectives emerging:

Traditionalists (42% in local surveys): Argue that the donkey-taxis represent cultural heritage and provide livelihoods for dozens of families.

Reformers (35%): Support continuing the practice with significantly improved welfare standards and stricter regulation.

Abolitionists (23%): Advocate for complete retirement of all working donkeys and their relocation to sanctuaries.

María Gonzalez, a third-generation donkey handler, states: "These animals are part of our family. We're open to better regulations, but a complete ban would destroy livelihoods that have supported families for generations."

Alternative Tourism Options

The council is actively exploring replacement attractions that could maintain tourism interest while phasing out animal labor:

• Electric tour carts designed to resemble traditional donkey carriages
• Augmented reality experiences showcasing the historic town
• Expansion of local artisan workshops and culinary tourism
• Enhanced cultural festivals celebrating Andalusian traditions

Initial pilot programs for these alternatives have shown promising results, with 72% of tourists responding positively to the electric cart option when sampled in early 2023.

What This Means for the Donkeys

If the retirement plan is approved, approximately 60 donkeys would need relocation. The council has outlined a three-tier approach:

1. Sanctuary Placement: Partnership with four regional animal sanctuaries to accept 35 donkeys
2. Adoption Program: Carefully screened private adoptions for 15 younger, healthier animals
3. Retirement Facility: Creation of a municipal retirement facility for 10 donkeys with special needs or health conditions

Veterinary assessments indicate that 80% of the working donkeys would require specialized care for at least 6-12 months to address chronic health issues developed during their working lives.

Timeline of Potential Changes

The council has proposed the following implementation schedule:

• June 2024: Final vote on the proposed regulations
• September 2024: Begin implementation of enhanced welfare standards
• January 2025: First phase of retirement (9 donkeys)
• 2025-2030: Phased retirement of remaining animals
• 2030: Complete transition to alternative tourism options

This gradual approach aims to minimize economic disruption while providing time for both donkeys and owners to transition.

International Reactions

The Mijas donkey retirement proposal has drawn attention from international organizations, with mixed responses:

• The World Tourism Organization has praised the initiative as a model for responsible tourism evolution
• International animal welfare organizations have offered technical and financial support
• Cultural heritage experts have proposed documenting the tradition through a museum exhibition

A coalition of 15 animal welfare organizations has pledged €180,000 to support the transition and care for retired donkeys.

Conclusion

While no final decision has yet been announced, the signs point toward significant changes for Mijas' donkey-taxis. The council appears to be seeking a balanced approach that respects cultural heritage, addresses animal welfare concerns, and maintains tourism appeal. Whether this means complete retirement or enhanced regulation remains to be determined, but what's clear is that the era of unregulated donkey labor in Mijas is coming to an end. This evolving situation represents the broader global tension between preserving cultural traditions and adapting to changing ethical standards regarding animal welfare.

FAQs

When will Mijas Council make the final decision about the donkey-taxis?
The final vote is scheduled for June 2024, with implementation to begin in September 2024 if approved.

What will happen to the donkeys if they are retired?
The current plan includes placement in sanctuaries, carefully screened adoptions, and creation of a municipal retirement facility with ongoing veterinary care.

Will the donkey-taxis disappear completely from Mijas?
If the current proposal passes, there would be a gradual phase-out over approximately 6 years, with the last working donkeys retiring around 2030.

How can tourists support ethical tourism in Mijas during this transition?
Visitors can choose alternative transportation options, visit the existing donkey sanctuary for educational experiences, and support restaurants and shops that fund animal welfare initiatives.

Are there other places in Spain with similar animal tourism practices under review?
Yes, several locations including Santorini in Greece and Petra in Jordan have also implemented or are considering reforms to working animal practices in tourism.