# Santorini animal welfare protest conflict

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/santorini-animal-welfare-protest-conflict
> Updated: 2026-09-08T10:16:57.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 2.

In early September 2026, a violent confrontation occurred on the Karavolades stairs in Santorini, Greece, between PETA activists and donkey drivers. The incident took place while activists were preparing a protest against the use of donkeys and mules as ‘tourist taxis’ to transport visitors up the 500-step route between the old port and Fira.

PETA reported that handlers destroyed protest banners, used verbal abuse, and employed physical force, including pushing activists against walls and striking one woman in the face. Activists had intended to demonstrate robotic exoskeleton technology as an alternative to animal transport.

In response to the violence, the Thira Municipality condemned the actions and launched an official investigation. PETA has announced intentions to pursue criminal charges and is calling for a ban on animal-based tourist transport, offering to fund exoskeleton technology for the municipality to facilitate this transition.

## Claims

- Three PETA activists were attacked by donkey drivers on Santorini on September 4, 2026. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Donkey drivers attempted to stop the activists from filming and destroyed protest signs. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- One activist was struck in the face by a donkey driver. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Activists were pushed against a wall and down the Karavolades stairs. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The municipality condemned all forms of violence and is awaiting the results of the official investigation. (single source)
- PETA intends to file criminal charges regarding the incident. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-08: Santorini: PETA activists reportedly attacked by donkey drivers

PETA activists were reportedly attacked by donkey drivers on Santorini during a protest against animal labor, resulting in physical violence and claims of criminal assault.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/santorini-peta-activists-reportedly-attacked-by-donkey-drivers

### 2026-09-05: Santorini: Donkey handlers attack PETA activists

PETA activists were attacked by donkey handlers in Santorini, Greece, during a protest against the use of animals for tourist transport. PETA plans to pursue legal action and has proposed robotic alternatives.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/santorini-donkey-handlers-attack-peta-activists

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Cite as: Santorini animal welfare protest conflict. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/santorini-animal-welfare-protest-conflict