No cruelty charges for parasailing donkey men

Men responsible for a publicity stunt in which a donkey was made to parasail for half an hour will not be charged for animal cruelty.

Russian police have said they will not bring criminal charges against the men as the donkey did not suffer physical injuries.

“We are not going to bring criminal charges because a vet examined the donkey and concluded it was clinically healthy,” said police spokeswoman Dina Goncharova.

The stunt, which angered animal charities and the public worldwide, took place at a beach in southern Russia earlier this month. Those involved were trying to attract visitors to a private beach.

The donkey was reported to be “screaming” in fear and then dragged through the water “half alive” before being returned to the shore.

The men could have faced up to two years in prison if found guilty.

Last week French actress-turned animal campaigner Brigitte Bardot wrote to Russia’s prosecutor general asking for the “strictest possible” punishment for those involved.

Warning: you may find this footage distressing

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now