Footage of a Dutch expatriate physically attacking a man who was beating a helpless donkey in Egypt has gone viral worldwide. The incident ignites fierce debate about animal protection and cultural boundaries. Joke Van der Post, 47, who runs an animal rescue center near the Giza Pyramids, was captured on video confronting and striking the animal handler. She witnessed him repeatedly whipping a tethered donkey on the outskirts of Cairo. The dramatic intervention against donkey abuse has resulted in legal troubles for Van der Post. She now faces potential fines, imprisonment, or deportation, yet remains defiant despite receiving death threats.
The viral video captures Van der Post running toward the man, hitting him several times, and then chasing him with his whip as he attempts to escape. “You think this is normal? You piece of s***,” she shouts in the footage that now circulates widely online.
When Witnessing Donkey Abuse Leads to Legal Trouble
Van der Post, who runs the Good Karma Sanctuary animal rescue center near the Giza Pyramids, says she first tried to verbally stop the man before taking physical action. “When I yelled at him to stop, he just called me a wh***, started laughing and started beating the donkey harder,” she told reporters. His response triggered her to take immediate action. She charged at him and pinned him against a wall.
Egyptian police arrested Van der Post after the altercation but later released her. The animal handler filed a complaint against her, claiming the viral video caused him “psychological harm.” Van der Post dismisses his complaint, stating bluntly, “He’s embarrassed because he got hit by a woman.”
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Prevalent Animal Abuse in Tourist Areas
Van der Post calls the donkey abuse she witnessed only a fraction of the animal cruelty that occurs regularly in Cairo. She describes this incident as merely a “very soft and weak example” of the horrific treatment she encounters daily while rescuing animals.
“I see it all the time and I always intervene. But, because I’m very well known in the area, normally when they see me, they will stop,” she states. When addressing animal abuse, she typically gives handlers a chance to correct their behavior. “I will take their whip from them and hit you with the whip if I have to. You’ll get an opportunity to stop and listen to reasoning. But if you don’t listen to reasoning, then I will intervene.”
Facing Serious Consequences for Her Actions
The Dutch expat now faces severe legal consequences. These include a hefty fine, deportation, or imprisonment. Despite these threats, Van der Post stands firm in her conviction. She asserts she would rather go to jail than give money to an animal abuser.
“The conditions in the jails in Egypt are horrific. It’s a stone floor where you are in with a bunch of other people. But these horses live through hell every day their entire life,” she says. “For me, it would be a couple of months. If that means that the laws are changing and the change is coming for 20,000 horses if I sacrifice a couple months it’ll be fine.”
Death Threats and Public Support
Since the video went viral, Van der Post has received numerous death threats daily. “I‘ve had a lot of threats on my life,” she reveals. “The aftermath is much more dangerous because now there’s this big hype, so people are quite mad.”
Many viewers praise Van der Post online, calling her a “total hero” for protecting the donkey from a “cowardly disgrace.” One supporter comments, “She punished him for abusing the donkey, she did right. No animal cruelty is ever acceptable.” Another adds, “Hopefully this will highlight the abuse of animals in that country and it will bring about a change, well done that lady for protecting the donkeys.”
Cultural Context of Animal Welfare in Egypt
The incident spotlights stark cultural differences regarding animal welfare and women’s roles in Egyptian society. Van der Post acknowledges that her confronting a man remains “unheard of” in Egypt. Women there still fight for equality. This cultural element adds another layer to the controversy swirling around her actions.
Not everyone backs Van der Post’s approach. Some critics contend that education rather than confrontation works more effectively in addressing animal abuse. “Not a way to go about things. Silly woman. Should know better as she lives there. Try to educate, not bully. That gets you nowhere, except as you know arrested,” one person comments. Another critic states, “Whipping a boy instead of talking to them seems more abusive than whipping a donkey.”
No Regrets Despite Dangerous Aftermath
Despite the threats and legal troubles she now faces, Van der Post maintains she has zero regrets about her actions. “I would do it again. I will not stand by and watch an innocent animal being beat up,” she declares firmly.
The shocking footage triggers outrage online. It sparks a global discussion about the mistreatment of working animals in Egyptian tourist hotspots. Opinions split on Van der Post’s methods. Yet the incident undeniably brings attention to the prevalent issue of donkey abuse and animal welfare in the region.
For Van der Post, the potential personal cost of her intervention means little compared to the suffering endured by mistreated animals. Legal proceedings move forward. Her case shines a spotlight on the complex intersection of animal rights, cultural practices, and effective intervention methods when confronting animal cruelty.
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