In a historic step for animal protection, the city of Málaga has taken a decisive measure: it will remove the horse-drawn carriages from the streets.
These are the carriages used, like in other cities in Spain and around the world, for tourist rides. This practice, which according to animal organizations and some political parties, should have been banned long ago, will come to an end throughout 2025.
Historic: Málaga will ban horse-drawn carriages
The mayor of the city, Francisco de la Torre, confirmed the measure during the debate on the state of the city of Málaga.
Horse-drawn carriages in Málaga. (Photo: EFE).[/caption>
The goal is to improve animal welfare, renew the city’s image, and align with other European cities that have already banned this practice.
For decades, horse-drawn carriages have been a common sight in Málaga, especially in its Historic Center. However, the negative impact on the animals did not go unnoticed.
They were exhibited in poor health due to exhausting days in intense heat, poor housing conditions, and circulation in unsuitable urban environments.
“The horse-drawn carriage model is difficult to fit with the current animal protection regulations and the urban configuration of our city,” stated the Mobility councilor, Trinidad Hernández.
Additionally, it is estimated that damages to the asphalt caused by horseshoes amount to more than 50,000 euros annually.
Animal welfare as a priority
Something similar happens with horse-drawn carriages in Argentina.
Animal welfare has become increasingly important in the public agenda. Cities like Málaga are not only responding to a social demand but also recognizing that exploiting animals for tourism does not align with the values of a modern society.
“This is a great advancement for animal protection in Spain. Every step we take towards a cruelty-free model brings us closer to a fairer and more empathetic society,” celebrated Aïda Gascón, director of the organization Anima Naturalis in Spain.
“The disappearance of horse-drawn carriages in Málaga is an example of how change is possible when there is political will,” she added.
Studies on equine ethology have shown that the urban environment generates a high level of stress in horses, affecting both their physical and emotional health. Additionally, the high temperatures in Mediterranean cities like Málaga exacerbate this situation.
Compensation for the holders of these licenses
Currently, there are still 25 horse-drawn carriages providing tourist services on the streets of Málaga, but it is expected that this year they will disappear permanently.
Therefore, the City Council is negotiating with the carriage owners for compensation to offset the early elimination of the licenses, valid until 2035.
The measure also opens the door to a renewal of the tourism model, moving away from outdated practices and opting for more innovative and responsible proposals.
Barcelona banned horse-drawn carriages in 2018
In Spain, other cities have taken the lead in terms of horse protection. After the unfortunate death of a horse in public, Barcelona banned this type of carriages.
Internationally, cities like Paris, Prague, New York, and Rome have also started to replace these vehicles with electric alternatives, showing that change is possible and urgent.
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