Animal rights group Peta has launched an international campaign to halt the mistreatment of working animals at the ancient city of Petra in Jordan, accusing handlers of beating donkeys, horses and camels and forcing them to carry tourists in extreme heat without shade or water.
Peta claims to have amassed video and photographic evidence showing deep wounds on many animals from chains and ropes. The group is calling on Jordanian authorities to replace the animals with mechanised transport and urging tour operators and hotels to avoid the site until abuses stop.
However, Unesco told the BBC that motorised vehicles would not be desirable at the World Heritage site. Jordanian organisations and international animal charity Four Paws said they are already working with owners to improve conditions, including new stables and lighter carriages.
There are concerns that a boycott could be counterproductive by depriving the Bedouin community of their livelihood and damaging Jordan's tourism industry, potentially worsening animal welfare. Peta counters that only lip service has been paid to the problem, pointing to a broken website and unanswered email address for reporting mistreatment.
