Anger as donkey is dragged under parachute

Animal campaigners today attacked a publicity stunt in which a donkey was dragged into the air on a parachute.

The animal reportedly brayed in fear as it was pulled along by a boat to promote a private beach on the Sea of Azov in southern Russia.

British-based charity The Brooke, whose president is the Duchess of Cornwall, said: "There was clearly no thought for this animal's welfare before they strapped it into a parachute, sending it catapulting into the sky.

"This animal would have been extremely distressed, suffering immeasurable fear and pain. This should never have happened."

Holidaymakers who saw the incident said children were crying in distress.

One said: "The donkey landed in an atrocious manner: it was dragged several metres along the water, after which the animal was pulled out half-alive on to the shore."

The Brooke said: "We urge tourists through our Responsible Tourism for Animals campaign to act and report to the relevant authorities if they see any animal in distress."