Mijas on Spain’s Costa del Sol appoints inspectors to ensure donkey taxi welfare

MIJAS has appointed three inspectors to oversee the donkey taxi service in the town.

Up until now it has been the responsibility of the Local Police to make sure the by-laws were followed and the animals well looked after.

Now the town council has decided that with all their other duties to perform, the Local Police were not the best solution so has taken on the inspectors.

They have undertaken training at the Refugio del Burro donkey sanctuary to find out about the needs and health problems faced by the animals.

Mijas council is bringing in new welfare laws to ensure the donkeys are not abused through overwork, which are expected to come into force early next year.

Among the main changes highlighted is a maximum weight for the donkeys to carry of 80 kilos.

Customers over that weight will need to ride in a carriage rather than on the animal’s back.

Veterinary controls will also be improved and examinations made more frequent.