Stop Working Horses and Camels to Death for Rides at Giza Pyramids

Target: Ahmed Issa, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Egypt

Goal: End the suffering of malnourished and exhausted animals forced to give rides at the Giza pyramids.

Tourists visiting the Giza pyramids are witnessing malnourished and exhausted animals being forced to give rides under the blazing sun without appropriate shade, rest, or adequate veterinary care. Investigations by PETA Asia have uncovered disturbing evidence of animals suffering in these conditions. Horses are whipped routinely, suffering from injuries, while camels are found with painful wounds and mange. Some animals have been seen trying to survive by eating trash from dumps, and the bodies of dead horses and camels are dumped daily in piles of trash near the pyramids.

At the Birqash Camel Market, where camels are often sold for tourist rides or as photo props, investigators found camels with blood pouring down their faces, their legs bent and tied with rope. Traders are alleged to have pushed, punched, and beaten the animals with batons. When camels can no longer give rides, they are hauled to slaughterhouses and killed for their flesh. Despite these distressing findings, some travel companies continue to promote these rides, contributing to the ongoing suffering of these animals.

It is imperative to address this cruelty to protect the welfare of these animals and promote ethical tourism practices. By ending the use of abused and neglected animals for tourist rides, we can prevent further suffering and ensure a humane experience for visitors. Demand that authorities implement strict regulations to prohibit the exploitation of animals at the Giza pyramids and that travel companies cease promoting these activities.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Minister Issa,

I am writing to express deep concern over severe animal cruelty at the Giza pyramids, where malnourished and exhausted animals are forced to give rides to tourists under the blazing sun without adequate shade, rest, or veterinary care. Investigations have uncovered instances of horses being routinely whipped, suffering from injuries, and camels with painful wounds and mange. Some animals are found scavenging for food in trash dumps to survive, and the bodies of dead horses and camels are reportedly dumped daily near the pyramids.

At the Birqash Camel Market, camels destined for tourist rides are subjected to brutal treatment, including being pushed, punched, and beaten with batons. When these animals can no longer give rides, they are reportedly sent to slaughterhouses. Such treatment is not only inhumane but also tarnishes the reputation of Egypt’s iconic heritage sites.

I urge you to take immediate action to end the abuse of animals at the Giza pyramids and surrounding areas. Please implement strict regulations to protect these animals, ensure they receive proper care, and prohibit their exploitation in tourist activities. By addressing this issue, you can help promote ethical tourism and preserve the dignity of Egypt’s cultural landmarks.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo credit: Monoram