The Poiteau donkeys traditionally seen in Saint-Martin-de-Ré will not be present this summer, marking a 40-year hiatus. Breeder Régis Léau has opted out due to challenges such as staffing issues, shorter holiday periods, and increased feed costs. This tradition began in the 19th century to protect the animals from flies. Since 1988, the donkeys offered rides to children as a tourist attraction, but Léau has concluded that summer 2024 will be their last. He mentioned escalating animal abuse allegations as a significant factor in his decision.
"A lot of kids are going to be sad... I'm really upset about it," he told Le Parisien, putting his decision down to several factors, including finding staff, the shorter summer holiday period and the price of feed.
The tradition of donkeys wearing fabric 'trousers' dates back to the 19th century, to protect the animals from the flies and mosquitoes that inhabited the salt marshes where they worked.
Since 1988, they have been a tourist attraction, offering rides to children. But the 60-year-old Léau has reluctantly decided that summer 2024 would be the last.
He also cited 'escalating' allegations of animal abuse, which he said was down to "a lack of understanding of working animals".
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