Does Mijas Council plan to retire donkeys from the streets?

Mijas council is going ahead with plans for a ‘recreational park’ for its emblematic donkey-taxis at the southern access road, featuring spacious stables and leisure areas.

The plan, currently in the ‘proposal stage’ for design, hopes to improve animal welfare and promote interaction with the donkeys in semi-freedom. The council envisages a space in which visitors can learn about Mijas’ archetypal symbol. It includes shaded trails, an observatory for donkeys, and a centre that celebrates the Mijas breed, unique to this area.

The plan includes forest management by donkey grazing and retirement of ageing animals. It also includes rehoming for animals to ensure they live dignified lives. The plan responds to animal rights advocates, particularly the ‘Free Mijas Donkeys and Horses’ group, who demand progress on the proposed 10,000-square-metre Parque Platero.

After last summer’s protests by activists, Anne Blitz said that the park would relocate the donkey rides, under supervision. However, the council has yet to confirm this. The council’s decision to postpone the presentation of the proposed scheme until April has led to concerns that it will just stall. No changes may be made before the peak summer season.

PACMA, a political party based on animal rights, is planning a protest for May 25 in Mijas Pueblo, calling for the complete abolition of the donkey taxi service. They dismiss the park’s lack of clarity. 2024’s protest was met with a counter-protest with locals chanting ‘this is our business, mind your own’, in Spanish, seeing that a good proportion of the anti-donkey ride protesters were foreign.

The council is highlighting recent animal welfare initiatives, such as a new Animal Welfare Department and a new veterinarian for the municipality, increased shade for animals, and reduced licensing. Critics, however, argue that these measures are merely a repetition of existing laws and call for stricter enforcement in order to protect donkeys.