Within the framework of the horse rescue program and labor reconversion of cart drivers promoted by the Municipality of Corrientes, 2024 will close with encouraging results.
With the projections and advances planned according to the program, it is estimated that about a hundred families will join the Plan to start a new venture. At the same time, work is being done on the well-being of over 400 horses that were removed; hundreds of them were given up by these families and others were rescued due to animal abuse or abandonment.
The Secretary of Government Coordination, Hugo Calvano, pointed out that “this plan will manage to include around 100 families who will give up their horses and carts, definitively abandoning this activity.” This effort is part of a policy that seeks to improve living conditions, both for families and animals.
Integration and Legal Commitment Process
Calvano explained that around 80 families have already joined and “we are in the process of closing the last group of the year, with which we believe we will reach 100 families that have joined this first stage of the plan.”
Calvano emphasized that joining the program implies a legal commitment that prevents beneficiaries from returning to the activity of horse-drawn transport. “Those who relapse are breaking the law, and their horses will be immediately removed. This ensures that the change is sustainable over time,” he explained. So far, hundreds of horses have been released and transferred to supervised fields, where they receive permanent veterinary care.
“The horses now live freely and in adequate welfare conditions, with sanitary control and necessary assistance from veterinarians of the Municipality of the city of Corrientes to ensure them a dignified life after years of exploitation,” highlighted the official.
Progress and Future of the Program
Calvano highlighted that “December is coming, the last month of the year, and with it, the first stage of this plan concludes. We remain open and calling for more families to join, we want to support and accompany them in this reconversion.”
The program aims at the productive reconversion of former cart drivers, enabling families to start various ventures, from burger joints and chicken shops to masonry, tire repair, electrical work, and painting services. “Each family chose a project that fits their skills and needs. Our support has been key for them to overcome this cultural and economic change,” stated Calvano.
families gave up horses used for horse-drawn transport
Municipal Commitment to Animal and Social Welfare
From the beginning, Mayor Eduardo Tassano insisted on providing permanent support to these families with training, assistance, and everything necessary. Therefore, the Municipality offers tools, training, and constant follow-up to ensure the success of these initiatives.
“All those who joined did so convinced that this was a surpassing way out, that they could no longer continue with the cart and horse in the city because people question a lot, and because feeding and maintaining a horse in healthy conditions is a cost they were not able to afford due to the economic situation,” stated the official.
The Secretary of Government Coordination considered the plan successful: “We have given the opportunity to those who wanted to move towards a sustainable activity, and the result is encouraging. Families are managing to sustain themselves and project their growth.”
Looking ahead, the challenge will be to strengthen controls on horse-drawn transport and consolidate this new model. “The city of Corrientes can no longer sustain the activity with horses. This plan allows us to move towards a more inclusive and modern community,” he concluded.
Sustainable Social and Cultural Transformation
With this action, along with many others, the Municipality reaffirms its commitment to animal welfare and improving the socio-economic conditions of citizens, marking a firm step towards a sustainable social and cultural transformation.
“The goal is for horses to live with as much freedom as possible in adequate welfare conditions, in this final stretch of their lives, after having suffered a lot during all these years,” he acknowledged.
In the presence of a case of abuse, neighbors must contact 911 or the 147 hotline to make the relevant report and, in this way, “we can ensure that these animals can leave the street and have better living conditions,” he concluded.
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