Importance Score: 65 / 100 🔴
Call to Boycott Egyptian Pyramids Amid Animal Abuse Allegations
Campaigners are urging tourists to avoid visiting the Egyptian pyramids following an exposé revealing widespread animal cruelty. Animal rights organization, PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), conducted an investigation uncovering distressing instances of mistreatment, including donkeys being whipped, beaten, and left to perish. The probe highlights a disturbing aspect behind the renowned global landmark, prompting calls for immediate action.
PETA Exposes Systemic Animal Abuse at Giza Pyramids
Jason Baker, Vice President of PETA Asia, stated, “PETA’s investigation documented the routine punching, kicking, whipping, and starvation of horses and camels at the pyramids. These animals are literally ridden until they die and then discarded like garbage just outside the site. The Pyramids of Giza should represent Egypt’s splendor and historical heritage, not unchecked animal abuse. The Egyptian authorities must intervene and remove these suffering animals from Giza.”
Baker added, “In the meantime, tourists must make ethical choices with their spending and completely boycott these animal-based attractions.”
Graphic Footage Reveals Underfed and Injured Animals
Undercover footage captured by the organization depicts animals appearing malnourished and visibly unhealthy, enduring routine beatings and kicks from handlers.
Another disturbing video segment shows an animal struggling to stand before being abandoned among piles of refuse.
On numerous occasions, the remains of deceased animals were observed discarded alongside roadways.
Viral Video of Dutch Expat Confronting Handler
The distressing footage has rapidly circulated online, coinciding with an incident involving Joke Van der Post, a Dutch expatriate, who was filmed confronting an animal handler. The video shows Ms. Van der Post intervening after witnessing the cruel treatment of an animal, grabbing a whip from another handler while pursuing the first man as he attempted to flee.
Subsequently, the handler filed a police complaint against Ms. Van der Post, leading to her arrest for alleged “psychological harm,” according to the complainant.
Expat Speaks Out Against Animal Cruelty in Egypt
Ms. Van der Post, who is married to an Egyptian national and resides in Cairo, asserts that animal abuse is a common occurrence within the country.
Describing the event, she stated, “When I yelled for him to stop, I was verbally abused and the man responded by laughing and hitting the animal even harder.”
“I am aware I could face imprisonment for up to a year, or possibly deportation. However, if this action can lead to meaningful change, it was a justifiable risk.”
Call for Collective Action to Protect Animals in Egypt
Ms. Van der Post is now utilizing her social media platforms to advocate for preventative measures against ongoing cruelty.
In a recent post on Instagram, she emphasized: “The widely shared video highlighting the whipping of a donkey has captured global attention. The world is now watching, and we have a platform and a valuable opportunity to achieve positive changes for the future.”
“If we unite and stand strong, our collective voices will be heard, and we can bring about positive and lasting change for all animals in Egypt!”