The End of Horse-Drawn Carriages in Malaga Is in Sight!

Malaga’s councillor for mobility, Trinidad Hernández, stated that there would be no horse-drawn carriages in the city by 2035. Although that’s a long way off, the end of this exploitation is finally in sight.

Malaga Will Tackle Cruelty to Animals

Horses forced to pull carriages endure a miserable existence – they may suffer in harsh weather conditions, get spooked by traffic, or develop respiratory ailments from breathing in exhaust fumes or debilitating leg problems from walking on hard surfaces.

When forced to pull heavy carriages in the heat, horses often collapse. This is especially common under the scorching summer sun, when animals can suffer from heat exhaustion and dehydration, as happened recently during the Feria de Málaga. Earlier this year in Seville, a horse died after pulling a carriage in temperatures of up to 36°C.

Horse-Drawn Carriages Are Dangerous

The ban acknowledges that busy streets are no place for sensitive horses, who often panic in traffic, resulting in injury to – and even the death of – horses or humans. In a split second, a horse can go from appearing calm and sedate to careering blindly down a street in terror.

Horses Are Not Taxis

Horses are easily agitated and sensitive to noise. Forcing them to pull carriages all day on noisy, busy roads puts them and the public at risk. They are social animals who foster important relationships with their family and herd members. Did you know that mother horses sing “lullabies” to their young to soothe them? They don’t deserve to be worked to exhaustion or death.

Don’t Be Taken for a Ride

Horses are individuals with their own needs and desires who shouldn’t be exploited for any reason.

If you’re a tourist looking to explore a city, take a bus or a taxi, choose a human-powered pedicab, rent a bike from a bike-share service, or simply walk.

Tourist Attractions to Avoid

Dozens of Cities Say Neigh to Cruelty Against Horses

Malaga will join many other cities – including Brussels and Rome – that have taken a stand against this cruel industry by either banning or restricting horse-drawn carriages.