Costa News Spain Breaking News | English News in Spain.
After a meeting in November between local officials and representatives from animal welfare groups, the controversy surrounding donkey taxis has continued. Representatives of FAADADonkey Dreamland, Todos los Caballos del Mundo, and El Refugio del Burrito all attended the meeting to discuss the issues that affect the approximately 60 donkeys who are used as tourist guides in the village.
Ana Mata was present at the start of this one-hour session. She was not familiar with all the details, and she ruled out any compensation for the remaining licence period. Officials confirmed that they plan to continue the donkey taxi operation for at least another five years.
Animal groups present proposals to improve welfare
Welfare groups presented several improvements and transition proposals. Some suggestions include phasing-out equine activities and providing financial compensation for donkey handlers. Other suggestions include educational programmes for cultural preservation, as well as expert equine veterinarian assistance for inspections.
Participants raised concerns specifically about the conditions of donkeys. Stables lack the mandatory REGA registration Some operate illegally. Overcrowding, poor hygiene, hoof issues in over 80 per cent of animals—including chronic deformities—geriatric donkeys working or tethered permanently, inadequate harnesses causing wounds, and avoidance of male castration leading to constant tethering were all cited.
Talks in deadlock
Organisations expressed commitments to collaborative institution efforts for animal welfare improvement. In the absence of progress, they warned, however that legal avenues could be pursued to protect the donkeys.
Mijas Pueblo’s donkey taxis have been a tourist attraction for decades. The donkeys were used in the past as donkeys to transport people and farm. Welfare groups criticized the council’s refusal to compensate and continued the service, claiming it lacked empathy and commitment.
Donkey taxis will continue to operate until December 2025. The council claims that the current regulations are sufficient to protect welfare. Participating organizations reaffirmed commitment to persistent advocacy for reforms.
