Tourists should stay away from the Egyptian pyramids to send a message to abusers of animals, campaigners have warned. An investigation by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), found incidences of donkeys being whipped, beaten and left to die on the side of the road as it uncovered the dark side to the great wonder of the world.

PETA Asia Vice President Jason Baker said: “PETA has documented the routine punching, kicking, whipping, and starving of horses and camels at the pyramids. Animals are literally ridden to death and then dumped like rubbish outside the gate. The Pyramids of Giza should symbolise Egypt's beauty and history — not unchecked animal abuse. The Egyptian government must act to remove these suffering animals from Giza.

“In the meantime, tourists must vote with their wallets and avoid these animal attractions at all costs.'”

The group’s covertly filmed footage shows animals who look under-nourished and in poor health being routinely kicked and beaten.

Another video shows an animal struggling to move before being abandoned in a pile of rubbish.

On several occasions, the remains of animals discarded at the side of the road can be seen.

The footage which has since gone viral comes as a Dutch expat Joke Van der Post punch an animal’s handler before chasing him with a whip.

After seeing an animal being cruelly treated, the veterinary practice manager grabs a whip from another handler as the man tries to run away.

The man later filed a police report leading to Ms Van der Post’s arrest for what the accuser calls “psychological harm”.

Ms Van der Post, who is married to an Egyptian and lives in Cairo, says that the abuse of animals is commonplace in the country.

Discussing the incident she said: “When I shouted to stop, I was called a w**** and the man laughed and then hit harder.

“I could probably get six months or a year in prison, or maybe even deportation. But if that means that something will finally change here, it was worth it.”

Ms Van der Post now uses her social media to call for action to prevent the practice of cruelty from continuing.

In a recent Instagram post she said: “The everyday scene of the donkey being whipped has gone viral, the world is watching and we have been given a platform and an opportunity to reach positive changes for the future.

“If we can stand Strong together our voices now will be heard, we can achieve a positive change for all animals in Egypt!!!!”