Camels for sale at the camel market in Giza. Egypt has announced first steps to better protect camels and horses used for tourist rides against maltreatment at its top archaeological sites. — Photo: Mahmoud Elkhwas/dpa
The ancient Giza pyramids are a bucket-list destination for many globetrotters heading to Egypt, but the sight of the camels and horses languishing in front of them is less breathtaking.
Following years of complaints from animal rights' activists and tourists, authorities have now promised to improve treatment of the animals which are commonly used to ferry around tourists at the country's top archaeological sites.
Mobile teams of veterinarians are to regularly examine and vaccinate the camels and horses, Tourism and Antiquities Minister Sherif Fathy has said, announcing initial reforms to better safeguard the animals' well-being.
Vets are also to be stationed permanently at the pyramids, with specific areas for camel and horseback rides to be set up.
Around 30% of the population in Egypt live in poverty, according to official estimates, although the actual figure is likely to be higher. Farm animals are often malnourished or mistreated, and conditions at the Giza Zoo are poor.
For a long time, stray dogs in the greater Cairo area were poisoned or shot.
The poor level of animal welfare has long been evident to tourists from all over the world visiting the famous pyramids.
PETA reported earlier this month that camels used for tourist rides at the pyramids are regularly beaten "with sticks, whips, and other weapons" by their handlers and are not provided with sufficient water and shade.
"Malnourished horses at Giza try to subsist by eating from rubbish dumps and are not provided with veterinary care – even when they have open wounds and broken legs," the organisation wrote. – dpa
