PETA Asia investigations at Egypt’s top tourist sites have documented the appalling abuse of animals. Camels and horses used for tourist rides at popular sites in Egypt are being beaten with batons, hit in the testicles, and denied rest, while dead animals are dumped like rubbish. Despite its promises, the Egyptian government has done nothing to stop the abuse of animals at these sites. Nothing has changed since footage was released in 2022, showing wounded, exhausted horses eating rubbish to survive.
The Egyptian Government Has Done Nothing for Horses or Camels
Outrageously, it’s been years since the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the Giza Governorate promised they would take action to ban the rides. In the wake of PETA Asia’s exposé in 2023, they reaffirmed that commitment – in the vaguest possible terms – yet nothing has changed.
PETA Asia has released footage showing that horses and camels are still subjected to unrelenting pain and toil and is warning tourists to stay away.
Tents, canopies, and umbrellas for shade as well as readily available water sources can and should be provided immediately, and a veterinarian dedicated to these animals should have been put in place years ago. The rides must be suspended during extreme heat. While authorities are procrastinating, horses are suffering immensely.
Even after being given video footage of a horse who had collapsed and was relentlessly beaten until she finally managed to struggle back to her feet, authorities apparently took no action. PETA Asia’s request for information about her was ignored.
Wounded and Exhausted Horses Eat Rubbish to Survive
The desperate horses often forage in skips for something to eat. Eating rubbish can lead to painful and often deadly colic. Horses are worked continuously and are viciously beaten when they falter, even when they collapse.
Many horses used for rides in Giza and Luxor were seen with painful, bloody wounds but were forced to continue carting tourists around. Even those with severe injuries like broken legs are denied veterinary care. Some are cruelly branded with red-hot metal irons.
Camels Whipped, Beaten, and Abused
At the notorious Birqash Camel Market, Egypt’s largest, PETA Asia has once again obtained video footage of the horrific abuse of camels sold for meat, farm work, or use at top tourism sites.
Handlers carry sticks and routinely hit the camels, sometimes until they’re left with bloody wounds. The animals’ legs are bound so they can’t move around. One camel was tied to the back of a lorry and dragged down a street. No one intervened.
History of Abuse
PETA Asia first documented the cruelty in 2019, revealing the horrific abuse of horses forced to haul visitors in carriages in unrelentingly gruelling conditions. They endured severe beatings – emaciated horses whose ribs showed through their skin were repeatedly whipped.
After the release of the damning footage, the government promised to implement changes, including replacing horse-drawn carriages with electric vehicles, and PETA Asia suspended the campaign. Finally, three years later, some electric vehicles have now been introduced to the site. While they are a welcome change, all horses need to be removed – and they can’t wait any longer. Recently, a tourist posted footage showing a horse who had collapsed. Handlers stood idly by, failing to help or seek treatment for the suffering animal.
Take Action Now
Tourists who pay to take horse-carriage or camel rides keep these operations in business. If you’re planning to visit Egypt, don’t take one of these rides.
Please urge Egypt’s minister of tourism and antiquities to end this abuse by banning horse-drawn carriages and camel rides.
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