Amsterdam to stop camel rides through busy city due to cruelty concerns

The municipality of Amsterdam sent letters to all businesses renting camels in the city, informing them that making the animals walk through the busy city is contrary to animal welfare, alderman Laurens Ivens said, AD reports.

Ivens was responding to questions from the PvdD about a camel that was recently paraded through the Red Light District for a bachelor party. That ride was stopped by the police because the supervisor had outstanding fines.

"It's weird, but renting camels is allowed. Via Google you can find companies that rent camels and other animals." Ivens said.

The alderman also said that he is happy the police were able to stop the camel being used for a bachelor party. "It challenged us to see if we can tighten the policy."