Malaga In Spain Trots Along A Sustainable Path; Bans Iconic Horse-Drawn Carriages

Málaga, one of the oldest cities in Spain, is renowned for its charming Old Town, beautiful golden beaches, and historic landmarks, including a Roman amphitheater and two Moorish citadels. The city has a long-standing tradition of horse-drawn carriages, which have been a cultural staple for decades. However, this tradition may soon come to an end. To protect the animals and in response to years of criticism regarding the trade, the Málaga City Council—led by Mayor Francisco de la Torre—has decided to ban horse-drawn carriages from the streets this year, state reports. An agreement has reportedly been reached with licensed coachmen to cease operating horse-drawn carriages for tourism purposes.

For Animal Rights

The decision to ban horse-drawn carriages mirrors the actions taken in tourist hotspots like Rome and Chicago, and it has disappointed many who believe these vehicles add to the city's charm. Animal rights activists view the recent development as a positive step forward. These groups criticise horse-drawn carriages used for tourist rides due to the strain these activities place on animals, particularly during the intense summer heat. Reports indicate that summer temperatures in Malaga can reach as high as 45 degrees Celsius. Horses and their carriages must cover considerable distances to return to their resting places and navigate back to their work locations, which adds to the strain.

The Malaga City Hall announced in 2015 that it aimed to ban horse-drawn carriages from its streets by 2035. However, officials now want to move the ban forward to this year. They are currently in discussions with the holders of the last 25 licenses to reach an agreement. "We have been negotiating for a long time, we have met 99 percent of the demands of carriage owners," Malaga's city councillor for mobility, Maria Trinidad Hernandez, told AFP. "What we are looking for is animal welfare, but it is also the case that they used to have more places to circulate," she added. "With building works that have gone on for the last 20 years, there is hardly any [place] left. There is the park and a little bit of the promenade left."

Horse-drawn carriages will not completely disappear though; they will be permitted during festivals and traditional events, such as Malaga's Annual Fair in August. The mayor stated that municipal licenses for tourist horse-drawn carriages will no longer exist—a type of carriage people hired and paid for like a street taxi.