Jerusalem police have told deputy mayor Yitzhak Pindrus he will not be able to hold a so-called “donkey parade” alongside the annual Gay Pride Parade this Thursday.

The gay march which has become an annual event through the capital would have been met by the animals, to represent what the deputy mayor regards as the bestial nature of the pride march.

Police have instead agreed that cardboard cut-outs of donkeys will be allowed to greet the marchers as a counter-protest.

Because the Jerusalem municipality has distanced itself from Pindrus’ plans Jerusalem police will also deploy officers throughout the march’s route.

Parade organisers have said they expect around 3,000 participants to march through the streets.