A publicity stunt in which a donkey was strapped into a parasail and sent airborne over a Russian beach is under police investigation.
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 Stills from the below video show the donkey flying through the air, above, and below, the animal being strapped into a parasail. 
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Reports said the donkey was terrified by the ordeal at the private beach on the Sea of Azov, near the village of Golubitskaya.
The stunt was roundly condemned by the British-based charity, The Brooke, which works worldwide to help working horses, donkeys and mules.
"The Brooke is appalled at the cruel and irresponsible behaviour of the people behind this 'advertising' campaign in Russia," its working equine behaviour and welfare adviser, Kimberley Wells, said.
"There was clearly no thought for this animal's welfare before they strapped it into a parachute, catapulting it into the sky.
"This animal would have been extremely distressed, suffering immeasurable fear and pain. This should never have happened."
Russian media report that the incident, understood to be aimed at encouraging visitors to the private beach, is under police investigation.
Reports suggested a group of businessmen were behind the stunt.
The news agency RIA-Novosti said police in the southern Russia territory of Krasnodar were considering whether criminal charges for animal cruelty should be laid.
A police spokesman said: "The donkey was taken on a parasailing ride to draw attention to this attraction. The donkey was braying and children were crying but no-one had the sense to report it to the police."
One report suggested the donkey made a difficult landing in the water and was in some difficulty when pulled from the water.
The Donkey Sanctuary in Britain said it was appalled by the stunt.
It said the animal would have been severely distressed, fearful and traumatised during the 30-minute flight.
"Donkeys are sensitive creatures and prone to a fatal condition called hyperlipaemia - a stress-related illness," a spokeswoman said. "We therefore have serious concerns over the present health of this donkey.
"This is the most senseless cruelty case we have ever seen in over 40 years of operation and we are truly shocked that anybody could treat a donkey in this way.
"The suffering endured by this poor animal is totally unacceptable and we hope that justice is brought to the individuals responsible."
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