As part of Ierapetra’s Kyrvia festival, the Kalamafka Syllogos organizes a day celebrating the cycle of bread making which includes lots of food, traditional music and a demonstration of threshing of the barley in an Aloni, using 2 donkeys.

Last year,we went along to see and enjoy the day. However due to the appalling treatment of the donkeys – beaten with large sticks by a number of the men and bleeding legs and mouths, from badly fitting equipment, the experience was far from enjoyable.

We published photographs on our website, and asked the Greek Animal Welfare Fund to make representation on our behalf and we resolved to do something about this cruelty to ensure that it was not repeated..

Initially we spoke to our vet, Michalis Spiridakis who is a councillor in the Dimos of Ierapetra and a member of the Kalamafka Syllogos, but because of other commitments on the day, he had not been aware of the problems – but he agreed that something definitely had to be done, especially when we showed him photographs of how the donkeys had been treated.

An article also appeared in the Kathimerini magazine

A number of discussions were held to formulate a way forward, culminating in a meeting with the participants prior to this year’s event to resolve the issues and ensure that no repeat of the previous year would happen.

It transpired that a number of members had been upset by what they saw and a number of children had been most upset and in tears, so there was a will to do more. The syllogos wanted to present the very best of animal welfare to visitors and were totally open to suggestions.

Even on the day of the event, further discussions were held and a formula was agreed that;

1.Only people directly involved with the donkeys would work with them during the day.

2.No sticks would be used to induce the donkeys to perform.

3.A weight ‘limit’ of 2 or 3 small children being towed on the board was agreed.

4. The donkeys should have adequate rest, food and water breaks.

The Aloni demonstration was a wonderful event and from the outset, we were approached by many members of the syllogos who thanked us for helping in guiding them on the way forward. The participants were proud to be involved in such a splendid display, one man even went as far as to say that he would not be beating a donkey in the future – he would only beat his wife!!

We know both husband and wife and you an be assured that this was a pure joke.

So, while many people call for the laws to be invoked, police called etc -.it can be that with sensitive communications, delicate pressure, showing people the past evidence they can be encouraged to see and agree that they do not want to be part of a spectacle which upsets people and causes offence.

Well done to the people of Kalamafka, and a big thank you to vet Michalis Spiridakis who was instrumental in ensuring that this years’ event would be acceptable to all visitors.

Syd walks well and without problems down to the sanctuary. he stops on the way for a roll!

He is introduce to the other 'oldies' over the fence. He wants to talk to them

This is probably the first time in his life that he has not been tethered or tied up with a rope.

He has made friends with Zak

He nearly runs when he sees us the next morning. He is one happy donkey now

The wound on his leg is still not completely healed but it is a lot easier for us to treat it now that he is living here with us.

Both donkeys are very happy in their new home and Coconut is able to get treatment for his arthritis and general joint stiffness.

This autumn Alistair was very busy and singlehandedly built a new stable and fenced in a small area so that the four ‘golden oldies’ can live together without the bullying of the younger donkeys.

Alistair also renewed a section of fencing from the other run which had been demolished. This was with the help of young Loukas who insisted on stealing the wire cutters and anything else he could get his lips around! But we are hopeful that the risk of the donkeys escaping into our neighbours vegetables is now diminished.

We have received a consignment of new headcollars and have started distributing these to the donkeys in need in the area. This will be continued as part of our outreach programme at the end of February when we hope to be able to provide treatment to many of the 30 or so working donkeys in the village of Males and the 12 in Kalamafka. Our donkeys have also benefitted from this. Here are two pictures of Tessa, the left one is when we first got her with her chain that was cutting into her nose, and the second a happier donkey!

Our biggest surprise this year was help all the way from Australia. Christine Berry OBE (a  farrier and equine dentist) not only sent us a parcel with medicines and other supplies but she and four volunteers came to visit us for a week where they helped out treating our donkeys and some other donkeys in the area.

We have been trying to help other donkeys in the area who are really in need. We have supplied equine butazone to try to relieve the pain that this donkey is in. We have asked the GAWF equine expert to telephone the owner to explain that this donkey is now in need of euthanasia, (she treated it last year). Unfortunately at the moment the owner will not do this and wants to wait until the vet comes in February.

I would like to thank everyone individually for their financial support but this is not possible so ‘a very big thank-you’ (you know who you are!) Please encourage other people to support us in whatever way it is. One of our most unusual donations came from a talented lady who knitted donkeys and sold them to raise money for us.

We are still wanting more recipes for a cookery leaflet that is being produced by one of our supporters in the uk . Please send recipes to me at info@walkwithdonkeys.com

Buy an exclusive ‘walkwithdonkeys’ T shirt. Do your Amazon shopping via our website or just make a donation via paypal or bank transfer (How about an after christmas sponsored slim?!)

Just please help these donkeys.

 

Thank you

Alistair and Suzanne