The Municipality of Bariloche formalized what to do with the horses that roam alone in the streets. Through Resolution No. 659, the mayor created the Municipal Program for Responsible Adoption of Equines.
In this way, an institutional solution is sought for a situation that was growing. The presence of loose animals was already causing traffic accidents, sanitary risks, and community concern.
Moreover, the lack of a specific procedure created an operational void. Therefore, the municipality advanced on a tool that allows for orderly intervention with animal welfare criteria.
How will the Municipal Program for Responsible Adoption of Equines work?
The program will be managed by the Animal Health Directorate, under the Citizen Protection Secretariat. It will also cover all equines found without an identifiable owner within the municipal area.
Once captured, the animals will be evaluated by a veterinarian. They will then be dewormed and registered before being available for responsible adoption.
The regulation is supported by Ordinance No. 392, from 1994, which regulates the keeping of large livestock, and Ordinance No. 1931, from 2009, which establishes the Municipal Urban Fauna Control Plan. Thus, the new scheme integrates into already existing legal frameworks.
Strict requirements to ensure responsible ownership
Those wishing to adopt must prove they have an adequate property. In this regard, it will be mandatory to have a perimeter fence to prevent the animal from returning to the public road.
Additionally, the adopting person must sign a sworn statement of responsible ownership. They will also have to register the horse in their name within ten business days after the adoption.
Furthermore, every six months, a certified veterinary report will be required. Additionally, the municipality may conduct inspections when deemed necessary, and non-compliance may lead to the revocation of the adoption and the preventive seizure of the animal.
An initiative with multiple environmental and social benefits
The implementation of the program provides predictability and control. Consequently, it reduces the risk of accidents and improves road safety.
Likewise, the periodic health monitoring helps prevent diseases and protect both animal health and public health. This strengthens an integral approach that links environment and community.
Finally, the initiative promotes a culture of responsibility in the ownership of large animals. By organizing the management of loose equines, the city moves towards a safer urban model, more balanced and environmentally conscious.
